JINGASA
(Japanese conical helmet)
The jingasa was a lighter-weight helmet which was essentially an
armored version of the common jingasa hat that was usually made of rice
straw.
It could be worn by lower-ranking samurai in place of the much more
expensive kabuto, and was issued by the thousands to retainer
foot-soldiers (ashigaru).
It was favored in Japan's humid climate because of its open design.
CLANG's jingasa are available with 3 basic edge treatments to the brim:
1) Basic rolled edge
2) Flared and rolled edge
3) Flanged edge
Each style reinforces the edge of the helmet to help prevent combat
damage. Beyond that, it's merely a matter of aesthetic preference.
Each helmet has a row of holes around the skirt so that a cloth drape
(shita-jikoro) can be attached if desired.
Base cost of a jingasa does not include a chin-strap, but I can install
a standard CLANG leather chin-strap as an option, and/or I can install
4 D-rings in the inside top of the helmet so that you can attach a
traditional type of Japanese chin-tie cord.
A basic jingasa is supplied with a "paint-ready" finish. This is
a smooth metal surface sanded to about a 60 grit so paint will adhere
better. As an option, jingasa can be painted or
powder-coated. Price depends on complexity of the treatment.
Jingasa with plain rolled edge
(Click on photo for more images)
Jingasa with flared and
rolled edge
(Click on photo for more images)
Jingasa
with flanged edge
(Click on photo for more images)
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