Go Figure Felix world of miniature figure modelling : Yoshii Toranaga VS Samurai (Part 2)

…..Continued from Part 1

A brief overview on:

The Tosei-Guoku Armour (当世具足)

Tosei-Gusoku means “Modern Armour” in English.

During the 16th century, the Samurai armour changed significantly due to the increasing Japanese trade with Europe during what would become known as the Nanban trade.

In 1543 several Portuguese were shipwrecked on the island of Tanega, off southern Kyushu. These were the first Europeans to arrive in Japan, The Portuguese introduction of Tanegashima (matchlock) to the Japanese, changed the nature of warfare in Japan causing the Japanese armour makers to change the design of their armours.

The armours up until then were unable to protect samurai warriors from firearms, which necessitated the changes from the centuries old lamellar armours to plate armour constructed from iron and steel plates which was called tosei gusoku (modern armours). Bullet resistant armours were developed called tameshi gusoku or (bullet tested) allowing samurai to continue wearing their armour despite the use of firearms.

The armour was designed to be as lightweight as possible as the samurai had many tasks including riding a horse and archery in addition to swordsmanship. The armour was usually brightly lacquered to protect against the harsh Japanese climate. Chain armour (kusari) was also used to construct individual armour pieces and full suits of kusari were even used. There also appeared new types of armour imitating the form of Western plate armour, which were generally referred to as 'Nanban-gusoku'. 'Nanban' was what the Japanese called Europeans at the time, so 'Nanban-gusoku' means 'Western armour’.

During the Edo period (1603-1867) also known as the Tokugawa period, armour evolved significantly as it transitioned away from the functional and towards the ceremonial and decorative. Armour was elaborately designed and often highly decorative, reflecting the status and power of the samurai who wore it. Many O-yoroi elements were added to modern armours solely for decorative purpose.

Chokuto (直刀) and Tachi (太刀)

The chokuto and tachi swords were used differently in battle due to their distinct characteristics.

Chokuto (直刀) in Japanese literally translated to “Straight Sword”. The Character 直 (choku) means “straight”, and 刀 (to) means "sword". Chokuto is a straight, single-edged Japanese sword that was mainly produced prior to the 9th century. Swords made in this time are known as the "Jokoto 上古刀", which means "ancient swords" in Japanese. Its basic style is likely derived from similar swords of ancient China, pretty much like the Chinese Tang Dao, it is a single edged, straight sword. It's because from Kofun to Heian period, Japan was heavily influenced by China. In these periods, the design of Japanese weapons were largely based on Chinese models (Chinese swords and Dao), they were almost identical to the Chinese weapons from the Han to the Tang dynasties.

Chokuto was used on foot primarily for stabbing, thrusting or slashing and was worn hung from the waist. It had limited cutting capabilities compared to later curved swords. The chokuto was used in a similar manner to other straight swords, relying on thrusting techniques to pierce through armour or strike vital points.

Until the Heian period such swords were called tachi (大刀), which should not be confused with later periods tachi written as 太刀 referring to curved swords.

The Chokuto was used in ancient Japan before the development of the curved swords that are more commonly associated with samurai, generally called "wanto 湾刀" in Japanese. Wanto swords are thought to be the early version of the Katana we know today. It holds historical and cultural significance as one of the earliest types of swords used in Japan.

Tachi (太刀)

A Tachi (太刀)is a type of traditionally mainstream made Japanese swords of the Kotō period between 900 and 1596. The tachi was a long, curved sword that was primarily used by samurai during the late Heian period (794-1185) and into the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Even after the Muromachi period (1336–1573), when katana became the mainstream, tachi were often worn by high-ranking samurai class of feudal Japan. Tachi and katana generally differ in length, degree of curvature, and how they were worn when sheathed. The tachi style of swords preceded the development of the katana. Traditional tachi typically featured a blade length of 27 9/16 to 31 1/2 inches. In comparison, katana featured a blade length of about 23 1/2 inches.

The tachi was worn suspended from the waist with the cutting edge facing downward on a horse or in full armour hence blade down from the waist and is a slashing weapon. All mounted samurai carry tachi. The tachi was primarily used as a cavalry weapon due to its longer reach and slashing capabilities.

When the samurais are riding their horse, it could freely move and because the blade is down it has a large curve it could easily drawn up and around the horse’s neck head and mane so that the samurai wouldn’t hit the horse.

The curve blade was designed for ease of use with a single hand while on horseback and made it suitable for striking down opponents from a mounted position. It was effective for cutting and slashing at a variety of targets, including both armoured and unarmoured opponents.

It's important to note that both the Chokuto and tachi were used in different historical periods and had different combat applications. The tachi was specifically designed for cavalry warfare, while the chokuto was used in earlier periods when combat techniques and armor were different. Over time, the development of sword-making techniques led to the evolution of swords like the katana, which combined the best characteristics of both the tachi and chokuto.

Gunbai Uchiwa (軍配団扇'war fan')

Gunbai Uchiwa was a fixed fan it was the standard command equipment that was used by generals and daimyō and hence became a symbol of power. Military commander also worn to show rank and were used to direct troops in battle as well as offer the commander protection from arrows, rocks, wind, and the sun.

Other command equipment commonly used by samurai commanders included a folding military fan (gunsen), a command baton (saihai), and a battlefield drum (jindaiko), where were all used extensively throughout the Sengoku (ca. 1467-1573) and Edo Periods (1603-1868). The non-folding gunbai fans were usually made of solid wood and/bronze or iron A tasseled carrying cord is attached at one end. Metal fans could also be used in combat, in parrying attacks or as a blunt weapon. The gunbai were typically family heirlooms, passed from father to son in succession.

Once held by military leaders and priests in the past, it is used in the modern day by umpires in sumo wrestling.

References:

Toranaga’s armour

Costume designer Carlos Rosario had designed Toranaga‘s armour with leather as its base as opposed to full metal. It was designed to be historically authentic as well as comfortable for the actor to wear during the shooting. For the Sengoku period, leather was a more period appropriate choice as well as more comfortable.

I have put together references of this particular armour that was used in the TV mini series in a flip book format HERE

Gunbai Uchiwa