History Dō (armour)

ancient japanese iron helmet , armour (tanko) kofun period, 5th century. tanko predecessor of dō, tokyo national museum.

the predecessor of samurai cuirass, or dō, manufactured in japan 4th century.tankō, worn foot soldiers , keikō, worn horsemen both pre-samurai types of japanese cuirass constructed iron plates connected leather thongs.

during heian period (794 1185) japanese cuirass evolved more familiar style of armour worn samurai known dō. japanese armour makers started use hardened leather along iron in armour construction , lacquer used weather proof armor parts. end of heian period japanese cuirass had arrived @ shape recognized being distinctly samurai. leather , or iron scales used construct samurai armours, leather , silk lace used connect individual scales (kozane) these cuirasses being made from.

in 16th century japan began trading europe during become known nanban trade. samurai acquired european cuirasses modified , combined domestic armour provided better protection newly introduced matchlock muskets known tanegashima. introduction of tanegashima portuguese in 1543 along change in battle tactics caused japanese armour makers change design of dō centuries-old lamellar armours plate armour constructed iron , steel plates, type of armour called tosei gusoku (new armours). bullet resistant dō developed, type of armour called tameshi gusoku (bullet tested) allowing samurai continue wearing armour despite increasing use of firearms.

the warfare of sengoku period (15th , 16th centuries) required large quantities of armour produced ever-growing armies of foot soldiers (ashigaru). simple munition quality (okashi or lent)dō massed produced including tatami dō folded.

the victory of ieyasu tokugawa @ battle of sekigahara in 1600, , subsequent rise shogun in 1603, marked end of sengoku period. time samurai continued use both plate , lamellar cuirasses symbol of status, traditional armours no longer necessary. during edo period, lightweight , concealed armour became popular there still need personal protection. civil strife, duels, assassinations, peasant revolts required use of tatami dō kusari katabira (chain armour jackets) , armoured sleeves other types of armour worn under ordinary clothing. edo period samurai in charge of internal security , wear various types of kusari gusoku (chain armour) , shin , arm protection forehead protectors (hachi-gane).

traditional armor continued worn , used in japan until end of samurai era (meiji period) in 1860s, last use of samurai armour happening in 1877 during satsuma rebellion.