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Kiahan (kyahan) are cloth leggings worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan.

Description

Kaihan were worn as padding underneath the samurai shin armour (suneate). Some types of kaihan could be covered with chain armour (kusari kaihan or kaihan suneate), these were worn by foot soldiers ashigaru or by samurai as protection. Kiahan were worn by ordinary travelers as protection from cold, insects and underbrush. Kiahan are often made of linen, but other materials such as cotton can be employed. Kiahan components depend on the season. When tying kiahan, the inner cords are shorter than the outer ones; it is also advisable that the cords are tied on the inner side of the legs instead of on the front or outer area. This helps prevent discomfort when the stiff suneate shin-guards are placed over the kiahan.

See also

• Suneate

References

1. Arms and armor of the samurai: the history of weaponry in ancient Japan, Ian Bottomley, Anthony Hopson, Crescent Books, 1993, 2008 ISBN 0517103184, 9780517103180 Pgs 30, 80, 185
2. Secrets of the samurai: a survey of the martial arts of feudal Japan, Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook, Publisher Tuttle Publishing, 1991, ISBN 0804816840, 9780804816847 P. 199
3. A handbook for travellers in Japan, John Murray , Basil Hall Chamberlain, W. B. Mason, Publisher J. Murray, 1894, Original from the University of California, Digitized Nov 21, 2007 P.9

Sources

• Turnbull, Stephen (1998). The Samurai Sourcebook. London: Arms & Armour Press. ISBN 1-85409-371-1

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