Japanese Kote Gauntlets

By Crusader1307

Kote Gauntlets developed in various forms going back to 12th  Century Japan. By The 14th  Century, they were an important piece of The Samurai Warriors protective gear. Designed to protect the fingers, hands and the complete arm (up to the elbow – Kote Gauntlets wer made of reinforced, heavy cloth or silk. Padded for comfort, only the palm was left open (to give grip to the Warriors sword or related weapon). Occasionally, raised metal studs were applied (but these were rare). Due to the length of the Sode Plating (from the shoulder), some protection was extended to this area as well. In some cases, Mail was used to cover The Kote.