Introduce the Samurai Arm Armor Kote: History and Types
Table of Content
What is Kote
“Kote” (籠手) is the gauntlet in Samurai Armor that protects hands and arms from enemy attacks. As long as human fight with weapons in their hands, there is a need to protect their hands. The Kote used in Japanese armor basically sews a hard plate such as iron or leather onto the cloth that covers the back of the hand to the shoulder in one piece. Some special features seen in certain kote include removable hand guards and small compartments to store essential items like medicine or coins.
Together with Suneate 臑当, Haidate 佩楯, they are referred as Kogusoku 小具足, means small armor parts.
Kote Material
Common materials used for Kote include silk, cotton, hemp, wool, and iron chains. In the Edo period, we can find some kote used brass. The base and framework were made of iron plates, leather, and Japanese paper.
The surface of Kote are usually coated with black lacquer, but can also be red, rusted black, or decorated with gold and silver leaf, depends on the preference o the owner.
Kote History
The use of Kote in Japan can be trace back to the Kofun period. In the armor such as “Tanko” (短甲) and “Keiko” (挂甲). The ancient Kote has been excavated from the tomb, and a clay figure of a warrior (武人埴輪) equipped with Kote has also been discovered. They are all proofs that Kote has been widely used in ancient Japan.
In the Heian period to the Kamakura period, upper-class samurai mainly fought “Kisha-sen” (騎射戦), where they rode horses and fought with bows (Yumi) and arrows. In order to make it easier to draw and shoot arrows, and to prevent the bowstring from getting tangled in the sleeve of the clothes when they released the arrow, they only wear Kote on their left arm. This method is called “Katagote” (片籠手). Even in modern Kyudo(弓道), when you shoot a bow in a kimono, you may take off your left sleeve and show your bare skin, which can be said to be similar to the idea of Katagote.
From Katagote to Morogote
From the Nanbokucho to the Muromachi periods, the trend in warfare changes significantly. The popularity of horseback archery declines, and instead, the style of fighting on foot with ‘Uchimono 打物’ (weapons such as different types of Katanas and Yari) increases. In response to this, ‘Morogote 諸籠手’ (wearing Kote for both arms) became established to prepare for enemy attacks on the arm holding the weapon.
Then, with the creation of ‘Tosei Gusoku’ (当世具足 modern armor), new types of kote increased rapidly. In the Edo period, high-quality kote with intricate workmanship were very popular.
Today, protective gear also known as "Kote" is used in martial arts like kendo and Naginata, they are originated from the Kote used in Samurai armor.
Major Types of Kote
筒籠手 Tsutsu kote
Tsutsu kote is a type that covers the forearm with a cylindrical board
篠籠手 Shino kote
Shino kote is made up of thin boards, and the name comes from the fact that it looks like a thin bamboo called ‘Shino’ is lined up.
Other types of Kote included:
Fukubegote (瓢籠手): Features gourd-shaped plates, first used by the Oda clan, also known as Odagote.
Kojino-gote (小篠籠手): Uses shorter, finer plates connected by chains, offering flexibility and a good fit, particularly favored in Ecchu Gusoku armor.
Kusarigote (鎖籠手): Made entirely of chain mail without using plates.
Major Components of Kote
Tekko (手甲): Armored hand covering, often embossed for the knuckles. Extended by mail to cover the fingers and thumb .
Kamuri no Ita (冠の板): Crown plate covering the shoulder, often divided into sections for flexibility .
Hijigane (肘金): Elbow protector, typically a small domed plate .
Makidome (巻き止め): Wrist ties made from braided cords, securing the kote to the wearer’s arm
