Hikitate-Eboshi
(Samurai Hat)

Hikitate Eboshi (boshi), refers to a type of hat worn throughout historical Japan which was uniformly black in color. The name translates to “bird hat” because it resembles the feathers of a black bird. Over time, the style and shape of the eboshi developed along with the many different hairstyles, to show one’s rank within Japanese society. As the bushi rose in power and stature, so did the eboshi they used in daily life. Typically the eboshi was only worn after “gempuku” (the ceremony of passage to adulthood – typically the age of 12). Eboshi-oya (a person who puts an eboshi on a young man’s head on his ceremony of attaining manhood), Eboshi-go (a person who has an eboshi put on his head on his ceremony of attaining manhood). In general, taller “tate-eboshi” were worn by higher ranking samurai, while the smaller eboshi were worn by inferior samurai, officials, standard-bearers and other lower rank professions.

The Hikitate-Eboshi is similar to the nae-eboshi (a soft hat used by commoners), but were adapted to the warrior class as they rose in power. Much like the tate-eboshi (worn by nobles), it is a tall hat which stands up straight (20-40 CM tall) or up and back. Showing a humbled status between commoner and noble, this eboshi was more pliable; and it could be worn under the kabuto (helmet). This Hikitate-Eboshi made it more favorable by the warrior samurai class, and quickly became known as the “samurai eboshi”. Over time the Hikitate-Eboshi incorporated white ties around the brim, which would help hold the hat secure while the warrior galloped on horseback or engaged in battle.  Our samurai clothing and accessories are featured in many movies, tv series, documentaries, including the docudrama “Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan” by Netflix & the Smithsonian Channel.

Features: Hikitate-Eboshi

• Traditional design
• One size fits all – Can be adjusted by wearer
• Made from linen or mesh (optional)

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