The Japanese Emperor's Palanquins
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Imperial Palanquin (Hōren), Transferred from the Ministry of the Imperial Household in 1906, Edo period, 19th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) the Imperial Lounge
April 2, 2024 (Tue) - March 31, 2025 (Mon)The emperor historically rode in imperial palanquins (hōren) during official outings. This particular palanquin was used when Emperor Kōmei (1831–1867) relocated to a new imperial palace in 1855 (currently the Kyoto Imperial Palace) and when the Meiji Emperor (1852–1912) went on official outings in Tokyo.
Also on display is the yōyo palanquin, which is carried at waist height. It was used to transport the emperor within the imperial palace and to evacuate him in the event of emergencies. Emperor Kōmei (1831–1867) would ride on the yōyo palanquin when he celebrated niiname-sai, a traditional Japanese harvest festival, on the palace grounds.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Imperial Palanquin ("Hōren") | Transferred from the Ministry of the Imperial Household in 1906 | Edo period, 19th century | H-4788 | |||
| Imperial Palanquin ("Yōyo") | Transferred from the Ministry of the Imperial Household in 1906 | Edo period, 19th century | H-4790 |