[Samurai Art Statue] Sanada Yukimura Summer Siege of Osaka Castle

Sanada Yukimura, the Great Samurai

Sanada Yukimura stands as one of the most iconic samurai of Japan’s Sengoku period. Known for his tactical brilliance, he famously defeated Date Masamune and became the fiercest adversary Tokugawa Ieyasu faced during the Siege of Osaka. Historical accounts portray him as a quiet, reserved, and deeply sensitive individual, adding complexity to his legendary warrior status.

Yukimura inherited the wisdom and strategic prowess of a commander from his grandfather and father, coming from a distinguished samurai lineage. However, his life was far from easy. As a child, he spent many years as a hostage, and later, as an adult, endured 14 years of confinement alongside his father, Masayuki, due to the turbulent circumstances of the era.

lthough widely regarded as a great samurai, Yukimura truly cemented his legacy during the Siege of Osaka. This pivotal conflict pitted Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Eastern Army against the Western Army of the Toyotomi clan, with fierce battles unfolding in both winter and summer campaigns. In this final major chapter of his life, Yukimura showcased the unmatched skill and valor that solidified his place in history

Yukimura chose to side with the Western Army, despite it being at a disadvantage during the Siege of Osaka. Various factors influenced his decision, but one key reason was the Sanada family’s strained relationship with Tokugawa Ieyasu. Past conflicts had led to their neglect by the Tokugawa regime, ultimately contributing to their years of confinement.

While many samurai were eventually released, Yukimura’s father passed away without ever receiving Ieyasu’s forgiveness. Fueled by a desire to avenge his father’s grievances, Yukimura saw the Siege of Osaka as his final chance to strike back at Tokugawa and embody the true spirit of a samurai - a spirit long stifled by years of forced confinement. After enduring such oppression, his thoughts and determination must have been profoundly intense.

Despite being outnumbered, Yukimura, siding with the Western Army, achieved a remarkable victory against Date Masamune’s forces - who were equipped with the latest weapons and highly trained soldiers. Understanding that a direct confrontation would be futile, he masterfully used the terrain to his advantage. By luring the enemy into the hills, he neutralized their archers and, with precise timing, struck when Date’s cavalry advanced uphill, exposing their horses’ vulnerable underbellies.

In the following summer campaign, Yukimura led a desperate charge against Tokugawa Ieyasu’s main camp, nearly driving Ieyasu to defeat. At one point, Ieyasu, believing all was lost, even attempted to commit suicide, only to be stopped by his retainers. Due to his relentless bravery and exceptional valor, Yukimura earned the title of “the greatest warrior in Japan.”

Yukimura’s family crest, known as the “Rokumonsen,” symbolizes the fare for crossing the Sanzu River, a concept rooted in Japanese Buddhist belief that separates the world of the living from the afterlife. For samurai, this crest carried a profound significance, representing “determined resolve,” although various interpretations exist regarding its meaning.

Ultimately, the Siege of Osaka provided Yukimura with the opportunity to showcase his strategic brilliance, solidifying the Sanada name in history. His remarkable achievements in battle preserved the legacy of the Sanada family, passed down from his grandfather and father.

This sculpture seeks to capture the charm and essence of Yukimura for future generations, depicting him as a poised and commanding figure on horseback - an embodiment of the ‘wise commander’ at the battlefield of the Siege of Osaka, where he fought with unwavering valor.

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Note:

*The images are for illustrative purposes only.

*The prices shown in the past product are only those of those days and cannot be sold at the same price due to price hikes, including raw material costs.

*The coloring may differ from the image due to the handwork of the artisans.

*Sizes are prototype measurements and may differ slightly from the actual product.

*Colors may appear different depending on the display device used.