Jingasa

" Jingasa " Samurai Hats

Jingasa (samurai hats) were mainly used during the mid to late Edo Period (1700-1860). The word "Kasa" meaning hat and "Jin" military.

As the Edo period was a period of peace, Kabuto were used less and Jingasa became more popular. The function of the Jingasa was still the same as for Kabuto, but with less accent on protection against arrow or sword, but from rain or sunshine, and to give an accent on the other aspects of "Samurai's daily life in times of peace" like: Police duty, Hunting,  Riding  etc. next to showing the Samurai's social status:
A Daimyo was more likely to still wear armor and kabuto on official occasions, but most of the time a Jingasa would do (though this might be a "Golden Jingasa"). Use of Jingasa however was not restricted to samurai.

Shapes of Jingasa

Different types (forms) of Jingasa would also have different uses. Most clearly this can be seen in the

Bajo-Gasa, (Riding Caps)

Usually these were high quality, because it was exceptional (and expensive) to be able to afford a horse (see Jingasa 01, 04, 09- 12 ).

Ichimonji-gasa, (Straight Line)

It would be impossible to ride on a horse, they could never be of use in any battle or brawl, and their only use would be while not moving too much .....(see Jingasa 02,05,06,08)

Another clearly defined shape is the conical type:

Toppai-gasa

This form is known from the "regiments" armed with tanegashima (matchlock gun).

Materials and structure of Jingasa

Jingasa were made in iron, leather, paper, wood or bamboo. Almost always covered with some kind of lacquer in different colors, the principal color being black.  Maybe the social status could be read by color: gold for Daimyo, vermilion for the middle ranks and black for the lower ranking samurai. Even townsmen, craftsmen and farmers were allowed to wear Jingasa.

Jingasa are often decorated with a Mon ("Family" or maybe better "Aijirushi" or "Kinship" marks) Showing clan relations.
The inside is black or vermillion colored and sometimes gold specks are scattered on a black or red base.

Looking at some Jingasa, it almost seems impossible to be worn. Such a shallow top must have had a firm construction to attach to the head: this was done by placing a cushion "Zabuton" and "Ago himo", rings to fasten chin straps, on the inside. Sometimes there are secondary rings "Himo toshi" to add a textile neck guard.
Zabuton have different shapes: square, the form of rolls or triangular, as can be seen in some of the examples on this website.

The Bajo Gasa certainly must have been securely fastened. Riding at some speed on horseback with the upturned rim must have put strain on the Jingasa's straps.

  © 2008 Arts of the Samurai
Last modified: 08/01/08