Taisho Tatami Karuta Yoroi
Taisho Tatami Karuta Yoroi is a form of lightweight, folding armor worn by mid to high ranking Samurai and generals during the Sengoku Era of feudal Japan. The terms “tatami” refers to the folding ability, and “karuta,” a small square or rectangle plate of steel sewn to a cloth backing.
The chest armor (dō or dou) as well as the thigh guards (kusazuri), have small spaces between the karuta, to allow for maximum flexibility and range of movement. With our Taisho Tatami Karuta Yoroi, these plates are connected heavily with chainmail for added protection.
All parts feature connecting chainmail between the karuta plates giving both flexibility and a superior level of protection over other tatami yoroi. More than 80 hours of hand crafting will go into one Taisho Tatami Karuta Yoroi creating a beautiful and functional lightweight armor set. Padding can be added for extra protection for a small fee.
For other economical lightweight, folding armor styles, please see our Gashira Tatami Karuta Yoroi and our Kachi Tatami Karuta Yoroi sets.
High quality Taisho Karuta Armor was much more elaborate, ornate and offered better protection. The lower quality Kachi sets are plainer and offer only basic protection. Tatami armor is easily adjusted to fit people of all sizes, and to be worn over or under clothing. This armor type may also have been popular amongst shinobi (ninja). It could be worn discreetly under their clothing, allowing them excellent, yet discreet, protection for their stealthy endeavors.
Features: Taisho Quality
- Karuta sewn onto linen with chain-mail between the plates.
- Includes matching karuta Hachigane, Dō, Haidate and Suneate.
- Sode are iyozane plated for full protection but can be replaced with matching karuta upon request.
- Optional under padding and material upgrades, can be requested for an extra fee.
We are the ONLY exclusively licensed Dealer of quality armour for the world renowned Iron Mountain Armoury and Little Star Enterprises Inc. in Australia.
