Ashigaru w/ Nagae-yari

[Axebreaker]

Yes, I'm curious as well to see how they turn out as well. When paint them up I'll try and remember to give a comparison.

Christopher

[tancrede]

Nice unit !
I like the color scheme, and the regimental basing is really good.

Hope to see more soon ! 

[sukhe_bator]

I echo FierceKitty's comments. Lacquer was universally used as a protective coating on wood, leather and metal armour and weapons. Lovely though these models are the nagae-yari would almost certainly have had lacquered bamboo shafts, almost certainly black or red or a combination thereof. The Japanese seem to have favoured black to the extent that it is a rule of thumb among arms and armour collectors that red lacquer is indicative of Chinese weapons and black to Japanese.
The 'Russet' browning of metal armour FierceKitty refers to was a heat treatment which created an artificial patina/barrier on the metal. It was however prone to wear and was largely reserved for parade/display armours and was never routinely used.
Munition grade armour components of the Sengoku-Jidai were also lacquered and that extended right down to the Ashigaru.

[sukhe_bator]

Having said that - I know of considerable variation in red lacquer shades from an almost tan/brick red to a bright signal red/vermillion. I don't mean at all to denigrate your hard work. They do look amazing and the sky blue lacing is just right.

[Axebreaker]

@tancrede

Thank you...... but it could be a little bit before my next base.


@ sukhe bator

Your probably right on all counts, but I'll stay with my unhistorical raw bamboo spears and keep my armour toned down a bit as I don't like it glossy. I often take periods and put my own impression on them which doesn't always follow historical reality, but gives an effect I find pleasing. Usually it's not way out there as to be implausible looking and still retains a historical feel however. Thanks for taking the time to view and express an interest.

Christopher

[archiduque]

Excellent unit mate!!

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Very Nice,

I espacially like the hell blue lacings (?) on the brown armour. A very good contrast.