Imperial Ceremonies

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Scenes from Yuki Province for the Grand Thanksgiving Festival of 1764, Scenes of the first and second months, Edo period, dated 1764 (on exhibit through December 1, 2019)

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Thematic Exhibition Room
October 8, 2019 (Tue) - January 19, 2020 (Sun)

Imperial ceremonies have traditionally been performed by the Japanese court and its central pillar, the emperor. For these events, precedence has been held in high regard and thorough records have been kept of past ceremonies, including paintings and historical materials.

Recently, public interest in imperial ceremonies has been reinvigorated as the nation transitions from the Heisei emperor to the Reiwa emperor. This thematic exhibition focuses on five aspects of imperial traditions, “The Enthronement Ceremony and the Grand Thanksgiving Festival,” “Scenes from Yuki and Suki Provinces,” “Paintings from the Imperial Palace,” “Annual Functions,” and “Imperial Outings & Entertainment.”

Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.

Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.

The Chrysanthemum Throne, Copied by Morita Kametaro, Copied in 1915, colored in 1916
Rules Concerning Ceremonies, Vol. 7, Part I, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure, on exhibit through December 1, 2019)
Rules Concerning Ceremonies, Vol. 7, Part II, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure, on exhibit from December 3, 2019)
Scenes from Yuki Province for the Grand Thanksgiving Festival of 1764, Scenes of the first and second months, Edo period, dated 1764 (on exhibit through December 1, 2019)
Scenes from Suki Province for the Grand Thanksgiving Festival of 1764, Scenes of the third and fourth months, By Tosa Mitsusada, Edo period, dated 1764 (on exhibit through December 1, 2019)
Scenes from Yuki Province for the Grand Thanksgiving Festival of 1818, By Tosa Mitsuzane, Edo period, dated 1818 (on exhibit from December 3, 2019)
Scenes from Suki Province for the Grand Thanksgiving Festival of 1818, Scenes of the eleventh and twelfth months, By Tosa Mitsuzane, Edo period, dated 1818 (on exhibit from December 3, 2019)
The Tale of Genji"The Royal Outing" chapter, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, on exhibit from December 3, 2019)
Account of Retired Emperor Takakura's Journey to Itsukushima Shrine and his Death, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, on exhibit through December 1, 2019)
Poem, Known as "Kumano Kaishi", By Asukai Masatsune, Kamakura period, dated 1200 (Important Cultural Property, on exhibit from December 3, 2019)
Saints and Sages, By Sumiyoshi Hiroyuki, Edo period, 18th century (on exhibit from December 3, 2019)
Figures in Chinese Attire, Edo period, 18th–19th century (on exhibit through December 1, 2019)
Scenes of Annual Functions, By Sumiyoshi Jokei, Edo period, 17th century (on exhibit through December 1, 2019)
Scenes of Annual Functions, By Sumiyoshi Jokei, Edo period, 17th century (on exhibit from December 3, 2019)