Description
Sip the Warrior Spirit!
Experience authentic samurai tradition with our Suitou (Sui-tou) Canteen. Traditionally used by samurai, ashigaru, and even peasants, these canteens are crafted from either hand-selected bamboo or gourds. Each canteen is sealed inside with beeswax to prevent moisture damage and ensure your liquid stays fresh—while the bamboo version features a specialized topper to prevent spills, the gourd design includes a leak-proof plug with a rubber ring. The gourd can also double as a Kayaku Ire (Gunpowder Flask), an important accessory for your teppo.
Handcrafted by Iron Mountain Armory from sustainable bamboo groves and gourd farms, every canteen is meticulously cut, smoothed, cleaned, and treated to preserve its natural properties. We also offer the option to burn a samurai clan mon or your personal mon/logo into the side for that extra touch of authenticity. Please note that this customization might extend the crafting time. Additionally, while these canteens are designed for safe, long-term use, proper care is required—especially for bamboo canteens, which are more prone to cracking if exposed to hot liquids or extreme conditions.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Traditional & Natural: Handcrafted from bamboo or gourds using time-honored methods.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for carrying water, wine, or other liquids; the gourd option doubles as a Kayaku Ire.
- Authentic Sealing: Beeswax lining protects the interior, ensuring freshness and preventing moisture seepage.
- Customizable Detail: Option to have a samurai clan mon or personal logo burned into the side.
- Practical Dimensions:
- Bamboo Canteen: Approximately 20–25 cm tall by 8–10 cm wide; holds 20–24 oz of liquid.
- Gourd Canteen: Approximately 15–20 cm tall by 8–10 cm wide; holds 18–20 oz.
- Complete Package (Gourd Option): Includes a base stand, funnel, and cleaning packet.
- Seasonal Availability: Items are seasonal; extra time may be needed if you select the Vermilion option.
Order Notes: Each gourd 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:
Handcrafted by Iron Mountain Armory at the time of your order. Please allow at least 2–3 weeks for careful crafting of your natural canteen, with an additional 1–3 weeks if you select the Vermilion option.











To provide context, am the president of Japanese living history group based in Australia, Sengoku No Bushido, and one of the five founding members of the international Japanese Martial and Living History Association. Sengoku No Bushido purchase the majority of our non-combat and everyday kit from IMA.
This gourd is a good piece of kit to have. It works perfectly for what it is designed for, and matches our requirement for historical accuracy in design and material. I also particularly liked and am grateful for how IMA kept record of my mon and applied it to the gourd without me even having to tell them beforehand.
While the gourd is not ridiculously small, it isn’t particularly larger in size either. Would it be possible for slightly larger sizes? Using these for water, particularly after a full day of route marching or training, certainly requires a little more water than what it normally contains.
The gourd has a very nice finish and looks great.
Very pleased, item as described. Top quality product, thank you.
Great! 😊