The Red Armour of the Ii Clan (井伊の赤備え)
Throughout the Edo period, the Ii clan (井伊家), hereditary lords of Hikone Domain, equipped their forces entirely in red. Armour, banners, standards, and other military equipment were all distinguished by their vivid red colour. This striking force became known as the "Red Armour of the Ii" (井伊の赤備え Ii no Aka-zonae) and gained a reputation for bravery and martial prowess.
From the domain lord to his retainers, armour was required to be finished in red lacquer (朱漆 shu-urushi). Helmets were fitted with a gilded ornament known as a tentsuki (天衝). The lord wore the ornament as a pair of side crests (脇立 wakidate), while retainers displayed it as a frontal crest (前立 maedate), reflecting their respective ranks within the clan's military hierarchy.
