New in 2013

Those of sharper eye will have noticed the addition of a new subject in the ToC: Samurai (Historical).

While this blog has always allowed for historical meanderings, they have been effectively kept to nil. However, certain recent events have prompted me to wind-down my bushi-dedicated historical modelling blog (to be closed in the next 2-3 months), and find a home for the projects therein. Hence the new subject label/folder.

So what prompted this decision?

1. Sengoku Daimyō has been the target of escalating troll and spam attacks in the last few months. Most of these are coming from overseas. While it is little effort to simply not approve the comment, it is a source of aggravation that I would rather not deal with at this time.
2. My artistic career is in its final act. I will always be sculpting and/or painting; but the time has come to pursue it for what it now is: a hobby to enjoy as a means of escape from the daily toil. This has been coming for quite some time, but the last year finally drove the point home. The future of this blog was also on the table, but it affords me an economical outlet that the countless other boards I visit--and occasionally participate in--could not.

So what does this mean for you, the readership?

AFAIC, you should see little or no change. In fact, you may see some "improvement". The only real difference is that you potentially might see a drop in the number of new postings, but that will be contingent upon the time I have to spend at the bench.   

Speaking of which, the oven timer just went off. . .

Three noteworthy links. . .

http://www.joanseeuw.com/

http://www.japanese-armor.org/

http://www.giuseppepiva.com/index.php/

RIP--Richard Hook (1938-2010)

In a recent exchange with Stephen Turnbull, I learned of the recent passing of one of the Dons of historical illustration.

For an excellent overview of Mr. Hook's life and career, I can do no better than direct you to Martin Windrow's remembrance. As for me, he opened my eyes to the possibilities of modeling Feudal Japan in miniature in his first Osprey commission, Samurai Armies 1550-1615 (MAA86; Osprey, 1979)--thirty years later, his vibrant and evocative work in this field has not lost an iota of its 'power', and as I mentioned to Prof. Turnbull, I believe his work in Hatamoto is amongst his best.

A devoted student of Native American history, his contributions in this field are perhaps for what he will best be remembered--and rightfully so. However, for this admirer, artist, and historian, the vacancy left by his passing for the pre-eminent illustrator of feudal Japanese military subjects will not soon be filled.

Belated and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

AJR

Doyusha 1/4 Date Masamune's suji kabuto

It appears as if Doyusha intends to continue their series of historical kabuto, with no less than three new releases. Only one dates from the Sengoku, and it purports to represent none other than Date Masamune's iconic "crescent moon kabuto". It is also significant that this is the first offering--that I am aware of--with a menpō.

So much for the good news. While the views of this kit at our disposal are limited, my initial impressions are not favourable. At the heart of my disappointment is the flattened shikoro. I thought I had seen every surviving period suji kabuto associated with Masamune, and not a single one has a shikoro remotely resembling the kit's. There are other issues as well, but this is the deal-breaker. I am delighted that Doyusha continues to expand the line--if only for the prospect of seeing some venerable old releases re-issued, but my enthusiasm will be rapidly quenched if they persist on this course.

Art of the Samurai Exhibition

Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156–1868 is now open at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC (21 October 2009–10 January 2010). Of greater relevance to those of us who will miss this exhibition, highlights of the exhibition are now available online at the Met site; and the catalog for the exhibition is also now available for purchase.

There are some undeniable treasures to be seen at this unique event; however, if I have under- stood the annotations correctly, one would have to visit the exhibit at least twice to get the "full" version. For example, according to the MMA site, Honda's "antlered" gusoku is on display through the 29th of this month; but the ni-mai dō of Sakakibara Yasumasa will not be on display until Dec. 8th.

While there is nothing like viewing the items "in the metal", unless one is in close proximity to the Big Apple, the catalog would seem to be the option of choice.