Muna Tori Hotoke Ni-mai Do
Gashira Class

Muna Tori Hotoke Ni-mai Do is a 2 section cuirass which feature a smooth and rounded chest plate, with cross knotting along the muna ita (upper plate on the chest).  This tosei (post 1550 modern) style cuirass could be finished from a single piece of steel like the European style cuirass or with several individual yokohagi (horizontal) or tatehagi (vertical) armor plates, smoothed over and finished to cover the plate, giving the smooth appearance.  The muna tori hotoke do started to become more popular in the very late sengoku era (warring states) through the late Edo era (peaceful).  Some older armor sets may have likely been refinished with the hotoke do style to help protect the lames from parting in combat or simply to keep up with latest armor fashion (influenced by Europeans).  Either way this smooth finish gave traditional samurai armor sets a new look which still remain popular today with gendai (modern) reproduction samurai armor sets.

This Gashira Class Muna Tori Hotoke Ni-mai Do is the more traditional and simple section cuirass without hinge joining the front and back section. This helps make for an easier universal fit as both sides of the Do are open, making it easier to accommodate different chest sizes. There will be a gap under the arms for larger chests or the front can slide into the back section for smaller chests. Ties are on both sides to help hold the cuirass closed.  A removable Tate-Eri (shoulder padding with kikko plating) is added for extra comfort and protection. Upon request a hinge can be added to this hotoke nimai do, making it into a hotoke okegawa ni-mai do, via the advance options. Product images shown with option banner holder, not included unless requested.

Features:  

• Full sized and fully functional.
• Paint, mon, cotton odoshi, accessory, customization and sizing options available.   
• Optional kawa koshi tsuke (removable gasen / kusazuri).  Removable Tate-Eri.

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CHEST MONS: This Samurai Do can be ordered with a Mon painted onto the front plate. For an extra fee, you can select one from our list of Standard Mon’s, or have your own mon/logo applied for an additional fee.

To have your own Mon painted: #1:  Select the “Custom Mon” option. #2: Complete the purchase through our Shopping Cart. #3: Send a high-quality image of the Mon / Logo to the confirmation email you receive from us.

Note: We hand-paint these Mon’s, and they can only be simple “Clip-Art” style designs in a single color. If you would like a Mon but select a “Suna” type paint color, your Mon image may turn out blurry due to the paint texture.

Ordering Tips: Iron Mountain Armory recommends that you order one size larger AND, in most cases, we suggest one size shorter than the size required, it is better to err on the small side than over-sized. The armor is close fitting.  It can close into itself if too big, or be a little uncomfortable if fitted too tall. If you’re planning on wearing a yoroi hitatari or a kikko gane do under the armor, we suggest adding 6 cm to your chest size when ordering.  The Okegawa-Do features a pin hinge under the left armpit, which can be removed and a cord attached to make it a traditional Ni-Mai style Do.

To see the class differences, please view Kachi Vs. Gashira.

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References:  “Samurai Armour: Volume I: The Japanese Cuirass” by Trevor Absolon  /  “Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868″ by Kazutoshi Harada, Metropolitan Museum of Art