Hatamoto

Samurai Horse and Foot Guards 1540–1724

Hatamoto cover

Description

Each great samurai warlord, or daimyo, had a division of troops known as the Hatamoto, 'those who stand under the flag'. The Hatamoto included the personal bodyguards, the senior generals, the standard bearers and colour-guard, the couriers, and the other samurai under the warlord's personal command. Apart from bodyguard and other duties in immediate attendance on the daimyo, both horse and foot guards often played crucial roles in battle. Their intervention could turn defeat into victory, and their collapse meant certain defeat. As favoured warriors under the warlord's eye, members of the bodyguards could hope for promotion, and a few even rose to be daimyo themselves. All the three great leaders of the 16 and 17th centuries – including Oda, Hideyoshi and Tokugawa – had their own elite corps. Such troops were naturally distinguished by dazzling apparel and heraldry, with banners both carried and attached to the back of the armour, all of which will be detailed in an array of colour artwork specially created for this publication.

Product details

Published Jun 20 2012
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781782000167
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 3 b/w; 20 col
Series Elite
Short code ELI 178
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Stephen Turnbull

Stephen Turnbull is widely recognised as the world…

Illustrator

Richard Hook

Richard Hook was born in 1938 and trained at Reiga…

Resources

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