Japanese Katabiri

By Crusader1307

Seen in the 8th Century (and redesigned with different construction components through the preceding centuries). Extremely similar to the European Gambeson Coat, The Katabiri was a loose fitting coat (or heavy shirt). Made of padded layers of cloth, some versions had multiple external pockets which were filled with copper or iron plating. This provided a basic form of “armor protection” to the wearer. Surviving examples show that both a long-sleeve and short sleeve version were made and used. They were often worn as themselves by “lesser” soldiers or Samurai Retainers. Possibly even used by the “Warrior Class” (as a form of training garment), The Katabiri maintained it's use as a form of “body armor” well into the 18th Century.