Samurai Heraldry

Osprey Elite #82

by Stephen Turnbull, Angus McBride (Illustrations)

The dazzling spectacle presented by the armies of medieval Japan owed much to the highly developed family and personal heraldry of samurai society. From simple personal banners, this evolved over centuries of warfare into a complex system of flags worn or carried into battle, together with the striking 'great standards' of leading warlords. While not regulated in the Western sense, Japanese heraldry developed as a series of widely followed practices, while remaining flexible enough to embrace constant innovation. Scores of examples, in monochrome and full colour, illustrate this fascinating explanation of the subject by a respected expert on all aspects of samurai culture.

Genres: History, Japan, Military History, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2002

About the author

Stephen Richard Turnbull is British a historian specializing in eastern military history, especially the samurai of Japan. His books are mainly on Japanese and Mongolian subjects. He attended Cambridge University where he gained his first degree. He currently holds an MA in Theology, MA in Military History and a PhD from the University of Leeds where he is currently a lecturer in Far Eastern Religions. He has also written a number of books on other medieval topics. He is semi-retired but still holds the post of Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at Akita International University in Japan.

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago- my late Father took me to see Kurosawa's Samurai Epic Kagemusha The Shadow Warrior. I marveled at the amazing uniforms/armour in the movie- each unit clearly marked by its dress and banners. Being already familiar with the almost impossibility of distinguishing friend from foe in European Ancient and Medieval warfare, I immediately assumed that this was Creative License- Kurosawa and his art directors had gone off historical script to make things easier on the viewer. I was wrong- as this book ably discusses. With their lighter and more workable Lacquer Armour- and the ability of Lacquer to hold colours- Japanese units in the Medieval and Renaissance period WERE often more uniformly attired- and they DID carry a plethora of banners- some even worn individually on each soldier's back- that identified each unit and often each Samurai.

Stephen Turnbull's book is a real revelation to the previously uninformed. He explains Japanese heraldry - from the basic "Mon"- a unique crest/symbol- to the myriad of other forms of Identifying Expression that made Japanese warfare signs and flags different from the Western record. He patiently explains how the "branding" developed and spread- until by the later period, a Lord would have a Three Dimensional Standard, a Banner standard, and a plethora of sub-units and sub-lords' banners- that iterated the Identifying Symbols in logical patterns. I was held in rapt attention- and just LOVED Angus McBride's really wonderful Illustrations in the great Colour plate section- 10 plates of real beauty- not something I usually say about Military Illustrations!

With no adult themes and little gore (amazing for something about Samurai)- this is a fine book for any Junior reader over about 9-10. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast- this is a joy to behold, explaining as it does how to construct both Historical and Fantasy heraldry- something that even SciFi and Fantasy Gamers can appreciate. With Japanese style iconography so dominant in contemporary culture- there is no end to the places one may find themes from this book. This is that rare Osprey Military -themed book I think almost everyone should read- so dazzling are the pictures(both the B/w and the Colour plates)- and so far-reaching is the subject matter. A strong recommendation.

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nifty little overview to act as an introduction. I was after something that gave me a quick explanation, various types of heraldry, origin, design etc., and uses through time. This did the trick.

[John Somers · Rating 4 out of 5]

14/20.

[Rindis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much just what it says on the tin. It's a good reference the general pattern and changing use of banners and standards in Japan from the Genpei War to the early Tokugawa Shogunate. But, it is by no means a complete one (impossible in an Osprey-sized book, of course). Still, a useful, easy to find reference.

[Edward Philippi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samurai Heraldry is another of Turnbull's books about the warriors of medieval Japan. Like all the books published by Osprey publishing this is hardly the authoritative text on the subject, however like all Osprey books it packs a lot of information into a slim volume. This is my current bible as I research and paint 250+ 25mm (1 in.) Samurai.