Date Masamune 3D Printable STL Miniature | Asian Adventures

This product contains a high-resolution STL file for a 3D printable miniature of the famed samurai warlord, Date Masamune, on horseback. Every detail, from the intricate lacquered plates of his ‘go-mai dō’ armor to the fierce expression on his face and the iconic crescent-moon crest (‘wakidate’) on his helmet, has been meticulously sculpted to capture the essence of this historical icon. The model is scaled for 28mm/32mm tabletop games, making it a perfect centerpiece general for historical wargaming or a powerful character for fantasy role-playing adventures. This file is optimized for resin 3D printers to ensure every fine detail is captured with stunning clarity, though it can also be printed on FDM machines with appropriate settings.

The Legend of the One-Eyed Dragon

Date Masamune (1567-1636) was one of the most brilliant and audacious daimyō of Japan’s Sengoku Jidai, the ‘Warring States Period’. He is a figure shrouded in legend, known for his military prowess, sharp intellect, and flamboyant style. His moniker, the ‘Dokuganryū’ or ‘One-Eyed Dragon’, stemmed from a childhood bout with smallpox which claimed the sight in his right eye. Legend says he plucked the useless organ out himself, an early testament to his formidable willpower.

Ascending to the head of the Date clan at just 17, Masamune inherited a domain beset by rivals. Through ruthless ambition and tactical genius, he swiftly crushed neighboring clans and consolidated his power over a large portion of northern Japan. His aggressive expansion put him at odds with the great unifiers of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later Tokugawa Ieyasu. Despite a tense relationship, Masamune proved to be a master of political maneuvering. He famously delayed his pledge of fealty to Hideyoshi, arriving late and dressed in his finest burial clothes to show he was prepared to face death for his defiance—a gamble that impressed Hideyoshi and saved his domain.

Masamune was more than just a warrior; he was a patron of culture, technology, and international relations. He transformed a small fishing village into the thriving castle town of Sendai, which remains a major city today. In a remarkable display of global vision, he funded one of Japan’s few trans-Pacific diplomatic missions, sending the galleon San Juan Bautista with an embassy headed by his retainer Hasekura Tsunenaga to the Philippines, Mexico, Spain, and even Rome to meet the Pope. Though often seen as a fearsome warrior, he was also a cultured man who enjoyed cooking and appreciated the arts. This 3D printable miniature is a tribute to his complex legacy—a warrior, a leader, and a visionary who carved his name into the annals of Japanese history.