Japanese warriors and Chinese characters
Samurai – also known in Japan as bushi – were warriors of pre-modern Japan and are frequently associated with loyalty, discipline, martial skill and a pronounced ideal of honour. As decorative and collector figurines, they appear in characteristic depictions: with katana, bow or spear, standing in armour or on horseback. Alongside classic samurai warrior figurines, the range also covers mounted figures as well as a samurai chess piece set.
Rounding out the range come figurines from Chinese history: the general Guan Yu, one of the best-known figures of Chinese tradition, is represented across several executions. Geisha figurines extend the Japanese thematic spectrum with a cultural and artistic figure beyond the warrior depictions. Alongside these come wall decor such as metal signs and a wall banner set with samurai and geisha motifs. Plenty of the figurines come from Veronese.
Frequently asked questions about samurai figurines
Who were the samurai?
The samurai were members of the Japanese warrior class and shaped the political and military history of Japan over centuries. In depiction, they're frequently shown with armour, katana, spear, bow or on horseback. As figurines they stand for discipline, loyalty, martial skill and the visual world of pre-modern Japan.
Who was Guan Yu?
Guan Yu was a Chinese general who lived and fought during the Three Kingdoms period (around the 3rd century AD). Within Chinese tradition he counts as the embodiment of loyalty and righteousness and is venerated to this day across various religious and cultural contexts. As a figurine, he's frequently depicted as a powerful warrior with long beard, armour and traditional weapon.
Which executions are available among samurai figurines?
The range covers bronzed and coloured figurines as well as pewter figurines in the tradition of historical collector objects. Samurai figurines are available as standing figures and as mounted riders. The samurai chess piece set offers a thematic point of entry to the Japanese warriors as playable pieces.
