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On the Occasion of the Princess’s Wedding: The Gala of Great Maki-e Masters

  • Image of "Hand-Washing Set with Bamboo, Wild-Ginger Crests, and Diamonds, Edo period, 1816"

    Hand-Washing Set with Bamboo, Wild-Ginger Crests, and Diamonds, Edo period, 1816

    Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Thematic Exhibition Room
    July 25, 2023 (Tue) - September 18, 2023 (Mon)

    During the Edo period (1603–1868), wedding ceremonies held great significance for the families of samurai lords. Wedding dowries played an important role, as their quality directly reflected the status of the bride's family. Often produced as sets, these wedding dowries evoke a sense of dignity with their unified designs in maki-e — a technique that uses lacquer in combination with gold powder and other materials.

    Many artisans participated in the production of these dowries, leading to the development of maki-e into a major industry during the Edo period. This exhibition provides a glimpse into the weddings of elite samurai lords during this time.

Major works in this exhibition

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

Women's Palanquin with Peonies, Bamboo, Wild-Ginger Crests, and Diamonds, Edo period, 1664

Cosmetic Set with Bamboo, Wild-Ginger Crests, and Diamonds, Edo Period, 1816

Tooth-Dyeing Set with Bamboo, Wild-Ginger Crests, and Diamonds, Edo Period, 1816

Hand-Washing Set with Bamboo, Wild-Ginger Crests, and Diamonds, Edo period, 1816

 

Pamphlet

姫君婚礼につき―蒔絵師総出の晴れ舞台 リーフレットの表紙画像

On the Occasion of the Princess’s Wedding
The Gala of Great Maki-e Masters

This pamphlet is also available at the information desk in the Heiseikan during the exhibition period.
PDF2.8MB)