Description

Wear the Symbol of Samurai Pride and Honor!

Embrace the spirit of the samurai with the historically authentic Hikitate Eboshi, the iconic headwear symbolizing power, dignity, and the proud warrior tradition of feudal Japan.

The Hikitate Eboshi, often referred to simply as eboshi (traditional hat), was a vital element of samurai attire (warrior clothing) throughout Japan’s rich history. Consistently crafted in deep, dignified black to symbolize solemnity and formality, the hat’s poetic name translates directly to “bird hat,” inspired by its elegant silhouette reminiscent of a bird’s proud feathers. Throughout feudal Japan, the style and shape of the eboshi evolved significantly, reflecting the changing hairstyles and societal structures. The hat thus became a distinctive indicator of the wearer’s social rank and status.

Traditionally, the eboshi was worn after the “gempuku” (coming-of-age ceremony), typically conducted around the age of 12. This ceremony signified the young warrior’s official passage into adulthood. During this critical rite, the Eboshi-oya (mentor) placed the hat upon the head of the young man, referred to as the Eboshi-go, symbolizing his readiness to assume adult responsibilities and join the warrior class.

The Hikitate Eboshi closely resembles the nae-eboshi (soft hat used by commoners) but includes important adaptations tailored specifically for the samurai warrior class. Standing between 20 to 40 cm tall, either upright or slightly angled backward, the Hikitate Eboshi symbolizes a humble yet noble status, effectively bridging the gap between commoner and nobleman. Its flexibility and comfort allowed it to be conveniently worn under the kabuto (helmet), enhancing practicality during battle.

As the samurai class rose in prominence, practical enhancements such as white ties around the brim were incorporated. These ties securely held the hat in place, essential for horseback riding or during intense combat.

Today, the Hikitate Eboshi continues to inspire, appearing in acclaimed films, documentaries, and television series, including Netflix and Smithsonian Channel’s “Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan.”

Key Features & Benefits:

• Authentic traditional Hikitate Eboshi design
• Fully adjustable for a comfortable fit—one size fits all
• Available in traditional linen or breathable mesh fabric

Product Crafting Time: Please allow our artisan crafters at least 3 to 5 days to process and handcraft your Hikitate Eboshi specifically for you. Crafting times listed are averages and do not account for orders placed prior to yours or other items purchased together, which may cause slight processing delays.