Sanada Yukimura - the Great Samurai -

Famous Samurai Feudal Lord Sculptures - SANADA YUKIMURA  1/4 scale

Sanada Yukimura was a samurai warrior of the Sengoku Period and was well known as the leading general on the defending side during the Summer Campaign of the Siege of Osaka.
Sanada lived by his beliefs and was loyal to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Sanada decisively outfought the overwhelming massive army of Tokugawa and therefore distinguished himself as a renowned military commander.
Sanada was known all over Japan as its “best soldier” and was admired, even by his enemies, for his fighting style that encompassed wisdom and bravery. Whilst he lost the battle, he fought to the end with a deep obligation and royalty, and was thus honored as "the paragon of all warriors".

We commissioned the late Mr. Hiromichi Miura, an advisor to The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Helmets and Armor at that time, to research the details of armor used by Yukimura Sanada, a Japanese samurai warrior of the Sengoku period.

This resulted in our being able to manufacture a historically accurate and faithful polystone reproduction of Sanada.
Sanada is shown, not in a typical warrior’s fighting pose, but as sitting calmly and resting after the fatigue of battle.

Historical fact shows Sanada was suffering from exhaustion at the end of his life. Sitting and holding on to the cross-shaped spear to the very end, Sanada‘s striking pose represents the spirit of this famous warrior about to die in the way of the samurai.
After conducting extensive research on the Sengoku period, Art of War® is proud to present this statue of Yukimura Sanada.
This original pose is our interpretation of how he expressed his last moments of life.
Yukimura Sanada was reputed to be the strongest warrior in the Sengoku period.
He defeated Tokugawa’s large contingent in Osaka Castle and greatly enhanced his own reputation among the warriors of the day.

In the Summer Siege of Osaka Castle, Sanada set up his army at Chasu-yama and attacked Tokugawa’s army bravely without any fear of death.
However, after several fierce battles, he was wounded and exhausted, and was finally killed by Echizen troops in Yasui-Jinjya near Chasu-yama.
According to literature, the image of Sanada is of a very delicate and quiet person, and he was known as being the wisest in the Sanada family.
Instead of the brave warrior, we have depicted him as a tired general who is facing his last moment quietly.

Hotokedou Gusoku (Seamless body armor)

It is said that Hotokedou Gusoku, or seamless body armor, originally comes from the smooth and seamless breasts of Buddha statues.

It was often used in the Sengoku period as an actual type of body armor, because it was easy to deflect bullets and spears.
The costume has been reproduced based on existing materials at the Sanada An, a temple built in the residence of Sanada clan, and also on armor belonging to the Takeda clan who Sanada also served.
We have added original decorative elements to reflect the high importance of SANADA Yukimura.

Molding The production of a statue is much more advanced and complicated than making something in two-dimension. The reproduction work needed, such as precise assembly, finish and painting is much, and requires excellent techniques and a lot of time. Every Sanada red helmet is finished by a craftsman’s own hand. The production requires plenty of time and of course the expert techniques of the craftsmen in our factory. The historical research about the armor is done properly and helps to create an accurate and authentic sculpture. With all the techniques and skills used to reproduce this item, the final result is a work of art that is highly valuable, rare and unique.

Painting Sanada’s armour is well-known for using an original red color in the Akazonae, the military unit associated with him. Japanese craftsmen demonstrate their advanced painting techniques in the red color finish, which is a combination of various color tones and textures. It takes more than 40 hours to produce a single statue.

Artist-Unnou Souhaku

Born in 1962.

Since 1990,
He started to research and focus on the production of the original armors creation, helmets, kimono, own production of lacquerware from the time of “Azuchi Momoyama Period” and “Sengoku Period” of Japan.

In 1997,
Unnou Souhaku requested “Mr. Hiromichi Miura”, to develop the 1/4 scale real armor of “Samurai Warrior – Oda Nobunaga”, who is the only person associated with the preservation of Japanese helmets and armor in Japan.

Continuosly, there was development of other real armors of 1/4 scale of Samurai Warriors of “Sanada Yukimura” & “Uesugi Kensin”.
Under the watchful eye of artist and creative producer, Unno Souhaku, many professionals engaged in developing high accolades for its authentic reproduction of Sengoku period statues based on historical documents from the time.
The final result is a product made of the highest quality.

【Products are able to see in Tokyo / Nihonbashi Office】

Reservation is required before visiting Kensin Co., LTD.

Please kindly contact us @ assist@art-of-war.jp by an E-mail or you are able to call us at phone number: +81-03-5299-5617 for an appointment.
Opening & Closing Time: 10:00 a.m. - 18:00 p.m. (Tuesday – Friday)

※Reservation required for a visit (at least 3 days before)

Access Information:
1. 3 minutes from Kanda station of JR Yamanote Line (South Exit)

2. 5 minutes from Mitsukoshimae Station of Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

3. Shin- Nihonbashi Station of Soubu Line

*The image is phototype only.