Heian Palace Guard (2 Viewers)

[blaster]

I located another NHD piece made a long time ago. This was a single casting with a few accessories stuck on as per the kit instructions. As can be seen from the pics, the figure presents a sorry state with the accessories unstuck. I decided to have another go at this piece. I decided that the pose could be dramatically improved by altering the head size and position. So bear with me as I embark on another wild goose chase here, but I think that I can eventually complete this piece as well. References for this piece is from Osprey's Ancient Samurai.

Rgds Victor



The hat piece and the arrow case removed to show the simple stubs and shallow depressions for attachment

The simian like head which needs radical surgery

I snipped off the back of the head with a pair of pliers, and redrilled holes to take wire pins to properly secure the accessories.

 

[blaster]

More pics


Figure pinned and epoxied to two pieces of wood to secure it firmly on the new base

Close up of the modified pose

side view of the resized head and repositioned neck

Final pose and front view of the figure with some groundwork buitup

 

[blaster]

I've cleaned up around the head area and filed off some of the shoulders. I've started painting the robe.

 

[blaster]

The nose seemed a little too big and I decided to resculpt it. Who knows, it may look even better...ouch

 

[blaster]

I've repainted the face with the reshaped nose. Still some more work to be done.

 

[blaster]

I decided to redo the nose, ears and headdress.


Nose and ears resculpted. Back of headdress attachment was too detached


Back of headdress readjusted.


Front of face


Repainted face. Close-up shows further areas for improvement.

 

[blaster]

Hi All,

I returned to this piece over the weekend, cleaned up the figure and repainted the robe as per my references. It looks so much better now. I've also stuck on all the accessories and later pics should show further progress.

Rgds Victor

 

[Wolfgang_UK]

Hi Victor,
nice figurine,- wonder what heraldic details you will add to it.
Thank You for shareing
Kind Regards
Wolfgang

 

[blaster]

Hello Wolfgang,

thanks for looking. My immediate references for this piece comes from these two illustrations below. The NHD figure is clearly based on the Osprey book painting.

Rgds Victor

 

[theBaron]

How have I missed this thread? I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your steps to rebuild an old piece. This is a great rework project, Vic! His face is much improved, that's some great work you've done.

Prost!
Brad

 

[blaster]

Hello Brad,

And here I was, alluding to your double-headed eagle eye on another thread...

The figure has a face with a nasty disposition. I guess that's an improvement.

I painted on the mon heraldry as per the photos and the sword scabbard, the quiver box and back of the bow has been added. I only have to add the quivers and the bowstring to complete the figure.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

I added the quivers and a steel wire for the bowstring. I added a dollop of epoxy glue to the ends to strengthen the joints. Note that I glazed the robe with alizarin crimson.

I then added a couple of tree stumps to protect the bow and long tachi sticking out from the figure.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

I have opted for a snow scene and this is the first layer of white powder dusted onto a layer of white glue. I trimmed the height of the front stump and will probably add some dead leaves to tighten up the composition.

 

[theBaron]

He's on the track of some bandit, no doubt! Great progress!

This piece inspired me to take out my "Shogun" DVD set and watch it again. Different period, of course, but I love medieval Japanese subjects.

Looking forward to your next update, Vic!

Prost!
Brad

 

[Wolfgang_UK]

Hello Victor,
great update and Brad allready said it all - really a nice looking figure - Thank You for shareing.
Kind regards
Wolfgang{sm4}

 

[blaster]

Dear Brad and Wolfgang,

Thanks for looking.

I attach another picture of a Heian Guard taken from the Kyoto Palace Museum. Very similar garb except for the more developed quiver case.

I like the idea of him being on the track of some bandit or game. I thought of adding a sack of severed heads or a dead deer at his feet then decided that this was too much like "Damien Hirst's Shark." Anyway, to keep busy, I took out a few sheets of brass foliage and started trimming for a couple of hours (yeah, that long!) just to stick a few pieces into the scene.

These leaves and other foliage will add some colour into this scene.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

I decided that maybe a dead deer would look good in this scene. Thanks for the idea, Brad. So I located an old casting from an old deTara kit for this proposed conversion.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

For the deer, I made up a body from epoxy putty and draped it over the tree. Then I attached the legs and head to this body with wire. The bare scene is gradually being filled up with more foliage and ground work.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

I added epoxy putty to the underside of the deer and pressed it into position on the base. This was then removed and the rest of the deer was sculpted. A thin wash of brown colour was applied to highlight any defects which were sanded or removed.

 

[blaster]

I finally painted the deer to represent a Sika deer, common throughout Japan. A hole was drilled to take the arrow shaft (taken from the Palace Guard figure...). Final test-fitting of the deer to the scene before I build up the groundwork and foliage to hide any gaps.

Rgds Victor