Maru-Hyōtan
(round canteen gourd)

Description

Drink Like the Samurai and Daimyo

Step into the march with the maru-hyōtan. This round, natural gourd canteen echoes the quiet discipline of the old road, where ashigaru (foot soldier) and yamabushi (mountain ascetic) traveled lean, carried only what mattered, and moved with purpose. Every piece is selected, cured, sealed, and finished to serve you as a reliable companion on the trail, at the range, or in your daily ritual.

Features: The body is a naturally grown hyōtan (gourd), shaped by sun and season, then smoke cured or lacquer sealed for durability. A fitted bamboo or hardwood spout nests into the mouth for a secure pour, with a snug stopper that holds fast during long strides. A braided cord ties off cleanly, ready to sling from belt or pack. The surface can be left natural, hand rubbed, or finished in traditional lacquer tones, with the option to add a discreet clan style mon (crest) for those who honor lineage.

Fit and Function: The rounded profile balances close to the body, sitting steady against your hip or chest with minimal swing. The waist of the gourd forms a natural grip, so you can draw, unstopper, drink, and reseal in one fluid motion. Capacity varies slightly due to nature’s design, yet each is selected within a warrior tested range that rides light yet carries enough for a full training cycle or a long walk between water points. Care is simple, rinse and air dry after use, store in a cool place, and let the patina tell your story.

The maru-hyōtan belongs to a lineage older than iron. In the Sengoku (Warring States) era, the hisago (gourd canteen) was a symbol of resourcefulness, adopted by foot soldiers, scouts, and travelers who needed strength without burden. The humble gourd becomes a vessel of intent, a reminder that mastery is often grown, not forged. Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose the gourd as a standard, a sign that simple forms can carry immense meaning when used with resolve. Owning this round canteen gourd is more than acquiring a container, it is joining a quiet brotherhood of men who value discipline, clean lines, and tools that do exactly what they must. The grain of the shell, the hand of the cord, the taste of cool water after the climb, these speak to the warrior who stands straight and moves forward. As the Iron Mountain clan, we refine what nature gives, sealing the vessel, setting the cord, and presenting a canteen that fits your kit with elegant purpose. Whether you are training, traveling, or meditating between tasks, the maru-hyōtan reminds you to carry less, think clearly, and act with honor.

Key Features & Benefits:
• Handcrafted from hand selected natural gourds, average size 15 ~ 18 cm circumference by 18 ~ 14 cm height.
• Authentic hyōtan (gourd) body, smoke cured or lacquer sealed for durability and water safety
• Hardwood or bamboo spout with snug stopper for confident, drip resistant carry
• Balanced round shape for stable slinging on belt or pack, natural waist for a secure grip
• Custom finish options, natural or lacquer, with optional mon (crest) personalization
• Lightweight organic construction for all day field comfort without compromising capacity

Order Notes: Each maru-hyōtan is shaped by nature and finished by human hands. Designs are etched by hand and the burned detailing is done with traditional pyrography, then hand painted. Because every gourd grows with its own curves, color tones, and textures, your piece will show natural variation in shape, grain, and artwork nuances. These differences are the mark of true craft, not defects. Exact replicas are not possible, so we cannot guarantee an identical outcome to any reference photo. What you receive is a one-of-a-kind canteen worthy of a modern warrior’s kit. Some mon or design elements may be outlined with a contrasting paint, usually gold, to enhance clarity and presence. Each outline is applied by hand to honor the artwork and sharpen the overall read.

Shipping Information: Hand prepared with care by our craft team. Please allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for processing and crafting of your custom, natural / traditional gourd canteen, items will be prepared and ready to ship upon completion.

Claim your clan canteen, march forth