Japanese Culture and History Book

RED ARMOR- Takeda, Ii and Sanada 　  

Red armor began to appear in Japan from the middle of the Muromachi period. At first, few wore red armor and only out of personal preference. It was not until the end of the Muromachi, and the beginning of the Sengoku period that samurai began to wear red armor as a distinguishing group uniform.

These groups of Red armored Samurai were called “Akazonae”.

The Takeda clan is well known as the originator of Akazonae.  There were others, however, such as the Akazonae of the Hojo and the Sanada clans, but the Takeda clan was most revered for bravery and fighting prowess.  Nevertheless, the Takeda clan was routed in Tensho 10 (1582). 　 The Takeda Akazonae were afterward allied to Naomasa Ii, the first aide of Ieyasu Tokugawa.  Naomasa Ii fought together with many brave survivors of the Takeda, and together clinched many a battlefield victory. 　 So well known were the Akazonae of the Ii clan that they became synonymous with red armor in Japan, and today, the Ii clan is most closely associated with Akazonae - Red Armor.

This book is a scholarly review of the Akazonae of the Takeda, Ii, and Sanada clans.  

The book is 257 pages.  The first 32 pages are full color plates of Red Armor and accessories.  The rest of the book is Japanese text with a few black and white inset illustrations, so, please regard this as a text book rather than a photographic display piece.  Therefore, I recommend this book only for those who can read Japanese or have access to Japanese translation help, or, anyone wishing to build a complete library of important Japanese traditional armor books.   

Book-Specifications:

- Text: Japanese 

- 257 pages

- Hard Cover

- Condition: Used, very good condition.  

Release Date: 06/2007