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.