Kote of the Daidoji Daimyo

The Kote of the Daidoji Daimyo were the hand-guards originally requested by the Doji family as a gift to the Daidoji Daimyo, to be used in the battlefield. They were presented to a new daimyo in a private ceremony by the Crane Clan Champion himself. Four times the kote had been passed on the field of battle, going from a dying daimyo to his heir or chosen regent. One gauntlet was lighter than the other, helping favor the Daidoji's fighting style with polearms and bows. The heavier kote was held closer to the fore, the lighter toward the rear. They had several pieces that could be switched between arms, to fit left-handed or right-handed combatants.