Toys from the Edo Period (1603–1868)
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Clay Figurine, Found in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Edo period, 17th–19th century
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
September 29, 2020 (Tue) - March 21, 2021 (Sun)A wide variety of toys were created in the Edo period. Ceramic pieces for a game called men’uchi, in which players try to strike their opponents’ pieces with his own, are particularly well known. These pieces were shaped like letters, family crests, people, and animals. Clay figurines, on the other hand, reflected contemporary beliefs related to magic, religion, good fortune, seasonal events, and moral teachings.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Game Pieces ("Men'uchi”) | Place of excavation unknown | Edo period, 17th–19th century | J-25634 | |||
| Highlight | Molds for Game Pieces ("Men'uchi”) | Place of excavation unknown | Edo period, 17th–19th century | Gift of Mr. Goto Shuichi J-25642 | |||
| Highlight | Clay Figurine | Found in Ueno Park, Tokyo | Edo period, 17th–19th century | G-3745 |