Toys from the Edo Period (1603–1868)
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Game Pieces (Men'uchi), Place of excavation unknown, Edo period, 17th–19th century
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
September 22, 2021 (Wed) - March 21, 2022 (Mon)A wide variety of toys were made during the Edo period (1603–1868). Pieces for a game called men’uchi, in which players try to strike their opponents’ pieces with their own, are a prime example. Made of fired clay, these pieces can come in various shapes and designs; some are flat, round ones with stamped designs of Japanese lettering and family crests, while others are shaped like people and animals. Clay figurines, on the other hand, reflect beliefs and customs of the time associated with superstitions, seasonal festivals, 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 |