Kusari japanese mail armour

Kusari () is a type of Japanese mail armor that was used during the Sengoku period (1467-1603) and the Edo period (1603-1868). The word "kusari" literally means "chain" or "mail", and it refers to a type of armor that is made up of interlocking iron rings or plates that are linked together to form a protective garment.

Kusari armor was popular among samurai warriors because it provided excellent protection against slashing and piercing attacks, while also being relatively lightweight and flexible. The armor was typically made up of a combination of small iron rings and larger plates, which were linked together using a system of rivets and hinges.

There were several different types of kusari armor, including:

• O-yoroi: A type of kusari armor that was worn by samurai warriors during the Sengoku period. It was characterized by its large, overlapping plates and its distinctive "cape" or "poncho" shape.
• Dō-maru: A type of kusari armor that was worn by samurai warriors during the Edo period. It was characterized by its smaller, more compact design and its lack of a cape or poncho.
• Kabuto: A type of kusari armor that was worn on the head, typically in the form of a helmet or a mask.

Kusari armor was often decorated with intricate designs and patterns, including lacquer work, gold and silver leaf, and other forms of ornamentation. It was also often worn with other types of armor, such as lamellar armor or plate armor, to provide additional protection.

Some of the advantages of kusari armor include:

• Excellent protection against slashing and piercing attacks
• Relatively lightweight and flexible
• Can be worn with other types of armor for added protection
• Can be decorated with intricate designs and patterns

However, kusari armor also had some disadvantages, including:

• Can be heavy and cumbersome to wear
• Can be difficult to move quickly or easily while wearing
• May not provide adequate protection against blunt trauma or crushing blows

Overall, kusari armor was an important part of Japanese armor history, and it played a significant role in the development of Japanese warfare and culture.