Hi Everyone,
Here is my review of De Tara Collection "Japanese Falconer"
Detail of the release
Title: Japanese Falconer
Scale: 1:6
Manufacture by: De Tara Collection
Material & no. of pieces: 7 bisque colour resin and 14 white metal
Order from: My grey army.
From the 2001 Red Lancers catalogue the price was US$62.95.
The Japanese Falconer bust by De Tara comes in a sturdy cardboard box with parts housed in plastic bags and bubble wrap for protection. It consists of 7 bisque colour resin and 14 white metal parts. The bust represents a Japanese Falconer of the 15 Century. He has protection on his arms and hands. He is in his jinbaori, wearing a Sandogasa hat and his tachi saya has a shiri-zaya protective cover.
Here are the cast parts.
Parts View
Head and hat View
Body and jinbaori view
Left arm and hands view
Tachi and falcon view
Base and parts list view
Final thoughts:
The Japanese Falconer is beautifully sculpted with excellent details. The kit is well researched by the sculptor but missing the tanto knife. The resin and white metal parts are finely cast. An impressive looking bust kit with a nice sculpted head with good eyes. This is one of my favourite Samurai bust in my grey army.
My Rating Summary:
Japanese Falconry
Takagari (鷹狩) is Japanese
falconry goes back to the 4th Century. It is said to have come to
According to ancient texts when it was introduced to the court of Emperor Nintoku. It's difficult to verify this but by the 7th Century at least when the texts were written takagari was well established.
Takagari, a sport of the Samurai Elite and noble class using specially trained and bred birds of prey, including goshawks, eagles and falcons. Because of its great cost and the time required to train and maintain the birds, it was only available to the nobility, and became symbolic of their status, and their warrior spirit.
Well-trained and strong birds were often gifted to the
nobility and daimyo from their lords, and in return, catches of the luxury food
were also presented to the Imperial family and elite.
Falconry was frequently practiced until the end of the
Samurai Straw Hat
Sandogasa (三度笠) This is generally known
as the samurai straw hat, which is primarily made for travel rather than
battle.
These hats are commonly made from bamboo palms, wicker or woven straw, renowned for its lightweight comfort and practical design. Its expansive brim offers excellent protection from both rain and sun, shielding the shoulders and keeping the eyes comfortably shaded without obstructing the face. Inside, a round band known as an atamadai 頭台ensures a secure and comfortable fit on the head.
Historically, the sandogasa was worn by a
wide range of travelers—samurai, shinobi (ninja),
monks, and merchants alike. It became especially popular during the Jokyo era
(1684–1688), when foot messengers traveled frequently between
Tachi Saya Cover
Shirizaya (尻鞘)
it is a traditional Japanese sword accessory. A type of attire used by the
samurai class throughout the earlier times and around
the times of the Sengoku period of of
However, throughout a later period, Shirizaya were only authorized for use to the higher ranked officers of the military.
Saya were sometimes very fantastically decorated to show status and wealth in a samurai. The fancier the saya, the more likely a samurai would want to keep it looking nice. As with many elite noble warriors throughout history, appearance was pretty important, especially if you were meeting other nobility.
