Commission - Female Samurai

Commissioned by

The commission was for a female samurai, realistically drawn and somehow including the color dark purple. This was actually rather difficult for me as I came to the realization that having her appear as both a legitimate Samurai that was also female would require some research into armor and clothing styles worn by both genders (I have a lot of war history nut friends). I found some good references for male warrior armor, the legs of which were armored much like the rest of the suit. I opted to include the hakama (skirt) typically worn over the kimono in women and men's dress. The decorative apron tucks under the sash that the katana sheath fastens to, held snug by looping it over a tanto. placed behind this would be the Kaiken, a talismanic knife used in wedding attire. The helmet was pared back to reveal the hairsticks that could also bear the family or unit crest, not unlike the taller banners men would strap onto their backs. The shoes would be tabi and waraji sandals. I imagined that even if women were allowed to come with men into battle, they would probably still be placed to the rear, most likely as archers, but still trained with swords, hence the assymetrical longbow and katana.

I hope this gives an adequate explanation of the thinking behind the character design. Enjoy!

Japanese sun designed by