Ii Clan Tosei Gashira Samurai Armor

Ii Clan Gashira Tosei Samurai Armor has been crafted in honor of the Ii Clan of Tôtômi Province, who were vassals of the Imagawa Clan. Th Ii clan yoroi (samurai armor) was made more famous, by Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政, 1561–1602), who ascended to head of the family at a young age, after his father, Ii Naochika, was assassinated. The young Naomasa lord served as Taisho (general) under Tokugawa Ieyasu. As a Daimyo, he would later found the Tokugawa Shogunate.  This Ii clan tosei yoroi features heavier usage of kusari (chainmail) on both the haidate (armored apron) and suneate (shin guards).

Ii Naomasa served the Tokugawa Clan as one of its most trusted and able daimyo. He and three other Daimyo became known as “The Four Guardian Kings” or “The Guardians of the Four Horizons” for their courage acts of valor and military success.  Naomasa also became known for the distinctive armor he adorned his troops in, and that he himself also wore. Painted almost entirely in vermilion, he took his inspiration for this from the fabled Takeda Clan. His aim was to make his warriors look fierce and intimidating. The tactic worked. His troops became known as “The Red Devils.” Naomasa himself was called Akaoni, or “Red Ogre.” This armor is adorned with Naomasa’s distinctive “lofty golden horns” (made of wood) and brass maedate (helmet crest).

Our experienced Gashira katchû-shi (Japanese armour smith) will craft this classical yoroi set using a Hachi Byo-toji Zunari Kabuto and “tosei” okegawa do (clam shell design) which was commonly used by the Ii clan at the height of their power, during the Muromachi / Sengoku era.  The ito-mono plating design, adds a touch of simple elegance to this beautiful suit of samurai armor.  The Ii clan were known for their Shu (red) armor, with Vermilion being the most popular color complemented by blue odoshi (lacing).  Our armor smiths are happy to craft the armor from any of the options available on this page. If you would like the horns painted a different color or a specific length, please request it in the “comments” section of the order form.

Features: Gashira Class crafting.

• Full sized and fully functional.
• Variation of paint, high quality cotton odoshi colors and traditional features.
• Includes display box and stand.

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To see the class differences, please view Kachi Vs. Gashira.

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References: Ii Clan- Wikipedia  /  Ii Naomasa – Wikipedia