I got all of these (actually just realised I'm now missing one, see the bottom pics) when they were released at some point in the mid (or a little later?) 80's. Designed by Aly Morrison, they were simply a joy to paint although I stopped for some reason after 8 of them. The rest were, at least, based and undercoated with the occassional slap of paint... Fantastic sculpts. I've just joined the 'Fantasy Japan Gaming' group on Facebook which is a perfect home for them. At some point I'll dig out my old Clan War boxes and see if they are compatible.
On to the part painted...
This guy below was featured in a Citadel catalogue but I can't find the reference. I recall it being a colour one but maybe my memory is playing games.
It does look like I'm missing 'Li-Che' so if anyone has a spare please give me a shout. Image c/o Lost Minis.
Some of my other painted Samurai types... a very old Dixon's Miniatures one in the middle, I painted this in the late 70's I think. Trevor Dixon has one of the most wonderful oriental ranges and is still going strong. His son looks to be carrying on the tradition as well. The other two are more Aly Morrison sculpts released in the Citadel / GW Oriental Heroes range. There were quite a lot of initial sculpts as it was for the 1985 TSR AD&D Oriental Adventures book. Unfortunately GW lost / dropped the license and the minis had any reference to C TSR removed although you can occassionally make out a faint TSR on the back of some tabs.
Trevor's Samurai types on either end, this time sandwiching two of Aly's earlier sculpts for the Citadel / GW original Oriental Heroes range... a wonderful boxed set that was expanded beautifully before the AD&D / slotta change occured... the undercoated figure looks to be succumbing to lead rot unfortunately as it was of the era Citadel experimented with different alloys. Grrr etc.
Boxed set contents c/o Lost Minis WIKI.
So, until we meet again. Please leave a comment below!