New Year Special Display
Hatsune Maki-e Trousseau
National Treasure from the Tokugawa Art Museum
For the First Time in Kyushu, Pieces from the Trousseau of the Daughter of a Daimyo
Kyushu National Museum marks the New Year with our Special Display of National Treasures, on
loan from the Tokugawa Art Museum in Aichi Prefecture. They form part of an extensive trousseau
made for Princess Chiyo, the eldest daughter of Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa daimyo
(lord). It
was created in 1639, when she was betrothed to Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari branch of
the Tokugawa clan.
The motifs decorating much of the collection come from a chapter in The Tale of Genji, a
Japanese classic from the Heian period (about 794–1185). Written by a court lady named Murasaki
Shikibu, its chapter titled Hatsune (“The First Warbler”) refers to a bird heralding the
arrival
of spring. Luxuriously decorated in gold and silver powder sprinkled on wet lacquerware, an
advanced technique known as maki-e, this gorgeous trousseau remains the finest example of
what
the daughter of a daimyo might have received upon her betrothal.
Among the National Treasures from the Hatsune Maki-e Trousseau showcased this year are a
comb
case, a small red handled case, and a handled case with butterfly motifs taken from Kochō
(“Butterflies”), another chapter in The Tale of Genji. Along with these pieces, an
extensive
selection of pieces from a trousseau belonging to the Nanbu clan of the Morioka domain in Tohoku
will be on display.
Ring in a glittering New Year by taking a few moments to appreciate the dazzling beauty of this
magnificent wedding trousseau!
Exhibition Period: |
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1 January (Mon) – 28 January (Sun) 2024 |
Venue: |
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Room 9, Cultural Exchange Exhibition Hall (4 F) |
Tickets: Cultural Exchange Exhibition Hall (Permanent Exhibition) |
|
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| Adults | 700 yen |
| University students | 350 yen |
| High school students, visitors under 18, and seniors above 70 | FREE |
*For more information on ticket prices, please see this page.
Leaflet |
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Exhibition Highlights
ⓒ Tokugawa Art Museum Image Archives/DNPartcom
National Treasure
Maki-e comb case with Hatsune motifs
Edo period, 1639, The Tokugawa Art Museum
This case housed combs and other hairdressing implements.
ⓒ Tokugawa Art Museum Image Archives/DNPartcom
National Treasure
Small red maki-e handled case with Hatsune motifs
Edo period, 1639, The Tokugawa Art Museum
Four corners are covered in vermillion on this handled case, designed for storing cosmetics and other daily items.
ⓒ Tokugawa Art Museum Image Archives/DNPartcom
National Treasure
Small maki-e handled case with butterfly motifs
Edo period, 1639, The Tokugawa Art Museum
This square box was used to hold personal effects.
"Falling Flowers", another chapter in The Tale of Genji
Hana-chiru Sato maki-e dresser
Edo period, 18th century, Tokyo National Museum
Used for hanging a mirror, this stand came with two drawers for storing cosmetic implements.
Events
Please note that the events listed below will be held in Japanese
only.
No pre-registration required, first-come, first-served
No pre-registration required, first-come,
first-served
All About the National Treasure, Hatsune Maki-e Lacquer
Trousseau
*Please note that this talk will be interpreted into Japanese sign language by volunteers.
No pre-registration required, free admission
Museum Talk:
The Hatsune Maki-e Lacquer Trousseau, a National Treasure
*However, visitors must have purchased admission tickets to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition