Author: Utagawa Sadahide (歌川貞秀).
Subject: Sanada Gentazaemon and Kakei Jūbei Torahide (真田源太左衛門と筧十兵衛虎秀).
Genre: mushae (武者絵).
Size: large (ōban, 大判) 33,5cm x 24,5cm (13,8 x 9,64 inches).
Publisher: Yamadaya (山田屋).
Period: c.1847-1852 (Edo).
Trimmed: yes
Backed: no
Code: USH01001
Condition: the color remains quite vibrant, although there are some stains and haloes present here and there.
There are no significant wrinkles, and the right side has been repaired. It has been slightly trimmed at the bottom
but not backed.
Two warriors of the warring state era (sengoku jidai; 戦国時代): In foreground, holding a spear, stands Sanada Gentazaemon
while in background sits Kakei Jūbei Torahide
Gentazaemon, also known as Sanada Nobutsuna (真田 信綱; 1537 - June 29, 1575) was born in the Matsuo castle as the eldest
son of Sanada Yukitaka, who actively participated in battles siding with Takeda Shingen (武田 震源).
His early campaigns are believed to have taken place during the Siege of Toishi. Excelling in surprise attack tactics, he served
as the overall commander in the Battle of Mikatagahara.
His father pledged allegiance to Takeda Shingen as he reached adulthood. During his coming-of-age ceremony, Takeda Shingen
granted him the character "shin" (信) from his own name.
He is remembered as one of Takeda Shingen's twenty-four generals.
During the Battle of Nagashino in 1575, he fought courageously alongside his brother Masateru leading over 200 warriors to facilitate Katsuyori's escape,
ultimately losing his life.
Notably, one of his nephews, Sanada Yukimura (真田 幸村), went on to become one of the most renowned samurai of that era.
Kakei Torahide was initially little more than a simple ashigaru (足軽), a low-ranking soldier in the service of the Sanada clan. However, he gained his promotion
to the rank of samurai through a courageous act where he crossed the enemy lines and broke through a castle gate using a log.
He became a loyal retainer of Sanada Yukitaka and Sanada Masayuki. This elevated him to a significant vassal within the Sanada clan. Following in the footsteps
He appears to have served as an attendant to Sanada Yukimura and became one of the oldest members among his vassals.