The figure in the photo wears a set of red-lacquered "aka-gusoku" armor which was used originally by the vassals who served the house of the Ii family which was the daimyo in Hikone domain (now part of Shiga Prefecture).

The armor is called "Akazonae-no gusoku."

Ii Naosuke (1815-60) who was "Tairo =(great elder)" of the Togugawa shogunate (1603-1867) was effectively the director of Japan for from 1985 through 60.

>From the time of Ii Naosuke, the daimyo of Hikone domain, Each generation of the samurai who belonged to the family continued to wear the "aka-gusoku" armor.

They fought on the battlefield so bravely that the armor became well-known as the "Akazonae of Ii."

The samurai in the photo carries a red "hata-sashimono", which is the small marking flag and decoration which the samurai put in the back of armor (armor) etc.

The "doh (= trunk)", an armor which covers breast and abdomen, is so-called "Okegawa-doh."

The "Kusazuri" protector is in the form of "Shira-ito-odoshi-no Kebiki", of which is made of board and griddle with one thread for every step that there is no crevice in width.

Furthermore, the samurai wears "Tosei-sode (=present world sleeve)" ‚É"Hitai-ate" protector,"Kote" protector, "Haidate" protector ,"Wakibiki" protecto and ,"Ho-o-ate" protector.

The "Kabuto" helmet is on the "Gusoku-bitsu" container.

Although the "Kabuto" helmet was suitable for defense at the time of a battle, since trouble was caused to action, practically, the "Hitai-ate" protecotr was used.

It is quite rare too see the original "Hitai-ate" protectors and the original "Wakibiki" protectors existing now.