By: Graeylin
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This represents a Buddhist warrior monk, of the late Heian period. He has no armor to speak of, just protective leggings (habaki) for his shins. He carries a Naginita (sword spear) as well as his sword (tachi). On his head, he wears the white cowl that signifies his belief in Buddhism (a Buddhist hood, or kato no kesa). His kimono (hoi) is plain and humble, as he should be. He wears simple wooden shoes (ashlda or geta) on his feet.
As this warrior monk is not at war, he is not wearing any armor under his hoi. Had he been in the service of an army, he would have likely had a banded chest plate (haratare). Instead, he is wearing a jinbaori surcoat, probably to signify he is on some mission or service for an important samurai warlord or friend of the monastery. The buddhist temples had a long history of being involved in the major samurai wars, providing footsoldiers and specialized warriors to various samurai armies. they were greatly feared by many, for good reason. their skills with pole arms was unmatched in Japan, and their fierceness and ferocity in battle was far greater than western-minded people would assume of a "buddhist monk". We should think of these warriors not as cloistered clerics coming from their monastery with a polearm in their hands, but as templar knights.. trained and forged as a warrior and dedicated to a religious cause, instead. |
| Oh man, this guy is awesome! Another fantastic looking figure from you old buddy. I sure wouldn't mind putting him on the old shelf around here. Special thanks for sending him in and sharing him with all of us. - GL |
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