1 x Horsebow (General)
7 x Archers
3 x Pike
2 x Bow Levy
1 x Skirmisher
This era covers a relatively short period 501 A.D. to 645 A.D. During this time Japan saw several important changes, the most significant being the introduction of Buddhism and the adoption of many elements of Chinese culture and literature. This army is a match for the Early Emishi army, which should be a different kind of battle - masses of archers shooting it out.
The most usable reference work I found was Osprey’s “The Samurai 200-1500 AD” by Anthony Bryant. The illustrations by Angus McBride provide an excellent guide for painting.
The figures used are 15mm Khurasan brand. They make a range just for this era which are a great match for the historical record. The clothing and equipment includes “Tanko” style armor with the armor flared at the waist and the distinctive baggy trousers which are cinched below the knee with colorful ribbons. Highly recommended.
Horsebow General and Pikemen
The pike-armed troops of this era, with spears up to 12' long, were also equipped with rectangular shields. I omitted these because I couldn't get all four figures on the stand with the shields attached.
Archers
The archers are divided into three types: nobles with pavises, "Yatsuko" retainers, and "Be" levy archers. The nobles here are well-equipped behind wooden pavises with iron facings. They also have a stand with spare arrows available. The retainers and levy figures are mixed together here for a more varied appearance.
Bow Levy and Skirmishers
The army list calls for the levy figures I included on the archer stands (the unarmored ones with the simple equipment and the round caps) to be used here, but I included some Emishi figures instead. They are wearing a few items of Yamato clothing. The Skirmishers are some frontier folk who were drafted locally.
The Army Arrayed and in Battle with the Emishi.
