The chainmaille artist has many varieties of designs and techniques available to create some unique and in demand pieces. Chainmaille was originally created to be a type of armor, used to protect the Celts in the 3rd century in Romania and surrounding areas from battle. It is created with many small metal rings woven and attached together to form one larger piece of heavy duty protection mesh, without the weight of traditional armor.
In early days, it was made to avoid damage from stabbing or slashing, and made into vests and even whole suits. Modern day usage includes butcher's garments or cutting gloves and even shark-resistant suits to allow divers to be up close with sharks and hopefully avoid the sharp teeth penetrating the diver's body. Butchers obviously want to avoid losing fingers or other appendages while using large knives.
While many different interpretations of the word exist, it is generally believed to be mean "malleable armor", but there are different names for each piece made, as for each part of the body it is designed to protect. Most of the names have French or Latin origins.
If the piece is a waist length or longer, it is loosely called a Byrnie. This can be a general term for any number of variations of this item. Leggings are called Chausses, gloves are called Mitons and a hood or head covering is called a Coif. Almost any vulnerable body part can be covered in this strong mail mesh.
In the early 1300's the Japanese were big in the proliferation of chainmaille outfits for the Samarai to wear in battles. They came up with several patterns in which to weave the rings and metal for the most effective usages. They invented the square 4 in 1 pattern, which they called "so gusari" and the hexagon-shaped design called "hana gusari", which gives the piece much greater strength per inch. The Japanese also came up with the idea to use additional rivets to further secure the rings and metal together to make an even sturdier garment to aid in the protection from slashing and stabbing enemies.
The demand for artists and crafts people who make this type of work is rapidly gaining as the popularity increases. This comes from many sources, including people who participate in medieval reenactments, Gothic revivals, collectors and the ever popular Renaissance festivals that are all over the US.
More recently, a chainmaille artist can find an audience in jewelry making, most of the weight of the metals, etc. Is on a lighter basis, but is proving popular among many groups of people. This can include the Goth movement and bikers. There is an up and coming market for this type of work in the jewelry as well as the medieval fields.hloe Gib
In early days, it was made to avoid damage from stabbing or slashing, and made into vests and even whole suits. Modern day usage includes butcher's garments or cutting gloves and even shark-resistant suits to allow divers to be up close with sharks and hopefully avoid the sharp teeth penetrating the diver's body. Butchers obviously want to avoid losing fingers or other appendages while using large knives.
While many different interpretations of the word exist, it is generally believed to be mean "malleable armor", but there are different names for each piece made, as for each part of the body it is designed to protect. Most of the names have French or Latin origins.
If the piece is a waist length or longer, it is loosely called a Byrnie. This can be a general term for any number of variations of this item. Leggings are called Chausses, gloves are called Mitons and a hood or head covering is called a Coif. Almost any vulnerable body part can be covered in this strong mail mesh.
In the early 1300's the Japanese were big in the proliferation of chainmaille outfits for the Samarai to wear in battles. They came up with several patterns in which to weave the rings and metal for the most effective usages. They invented the square 4 in 1 pattern, which they called "so gusari" and the hexagon-shaped design called "hana gusari", which gives the piece much greater strength per inch. The Japanese also came up with the idea to use additional rivets to further secure the rings and metal together to make an even sturdier garment to aid in the protection from slashing and stabbing enemies.
The demand for artists and crafts people who make this type of work is rapidly gaining as the popularity increases. This comes from many sources, including people who participate in medieval reenactments, Gothic revivals, collectors and the ever popular Renaissance festivals that are all over the US.
More recently, a chainmaille artist can find an audience in jewelry making, most of the weight of the metals, etc. Is on a lighter basis, but is proving popular among many groups of people. This can include the Goth movement and bikers. There is an up and coming market for this type of work in the jewelry as well as the medieval fields.hloe Gib
About the Author:
Rebel Rose Jewelry is a top chainmaille artist. Contact them today for more information! (http://www.rebelrosechainmaillejewelry.com)
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