A special exhibition called "Edo Ooku" will be held at the Heiseikan of the Tokyo National Museum, introducing the world of the "inner palace" where the women who supported the shogun lived through precious historical materials and artworks. The exhibition will run from July 7th (Sat) to September 19st (Sun).
Wedding furniture with bamboo, diamond and hollyhock motifs, used by Kakujuin (Toyohime) culture13year(1816) Tokyo National Museum
*Exhibited throughout the period
Important Cultural Property Long-sleeved Kimono with Plum and Bamboo Pattern on Black Silk Fabric Used by Keishoin (Otama) Edo Period 17century Treasured at Gokokuji Temple (Bunkyo Ward), Tokyo
■Early exhibition (7/19-8/17)
The Ooku can be said to be the hidden history of the Edo Shogunate. At the venue, paintings that show life in this closed world, costumes worn by the shogun's wives and concubines, wedding furnishings, daily necessities, and toys are on display. The role of the Ooku, which was closely related to politics and samurai society, and the way of life there are unraveled in a multilayered way.
"The Cushioning Ceremony" from "The Inner Palace of Chiyoda" Written by Yangzhou Zhouyan Meiji27year(1894） Tokyo National Museum
■The exhibits will be changed during the exhibition period.
From "Chiyoda no Ooku" "Chiyoda no Ooku: The Tea House at the Waterfall" by Yoshu Shuen Meiji28year(1895） Tokyo National Museum
*Exhibits will be changed during the event.
One of the highlights is the display of all scenes from "Chiyoda no Ooku," a popular work depicting the nostalgic life of the inner palace by the painter Yoshu Shuen, who was active from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era. (*The exhibits will be changed during the exhibition period.) This is a rare opportunity to see all 40 scenes during the exhibition period.
Important Cultural Property Embroidered hanging cloth, light blue satin with iris and pink flowers and sake cup with the character design "Chosei" Used by Zuishun-in (Oden-no-kata) Edo Period 17~18century Courtesy of Kofuku-in Temple, Nara (Nara City)
■Early exhibition (7/19-8/17)
Statue of Kasuga no Tsubone Written by Kano Tanyu Edo Period 17century Tokugawa Memorial Foundation, Tokyo
■Exhibition throughout the year
In addition, all 31 embroidered hanging cloths from Kofuku-in Temple in Nara, an Important Cultural Property, which are said to have been sent by the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, to his concubine, Zuishun-in (Oden no Kata), will also be on display. These masterpieces, created using the finest embroidery techniques of the Genroku period, should give a sense of the high level of dyeing and weaving techniques and aesthetic sense of the time. The exhibition also focuses on the structure of the Ooku and the lives of the maids.
Tokugawa Tanehime's Wedding Procession Scroll, Volume 1 (section) By Yamamoto Yowa Edo Period 18~19century Tokyo National Museum
Exhibition throughout the year ■There will be scene changes during the event.
The exhibition will display costumes used in the NHK Drama 10 "Ooku" and recreate the familiar "Gosuzu Corridor" set, making it visually easy to understand. It will be interesting to compare the world of the drama and movie with the real Ooku and see what differences there are.
Okubosho Shusse Sugoroku (The game of success for servants) Made by Mantei Oga and painted by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) Edo period 19Century Edo-Tokyo Museum, Tokyo
*First half exhibition (7/19-8/17)
This special exhibition carefully delves into the origins of the special space known as Ooku and the people who lived there. Why not step into this glamorous world?
Special Exhibition "Edo☆Ooku"
[Period] April 2025th (Sat) - May 7th (Sun), 19
[Closed] Mondays, February 7th (Tuesday)
*However, the museum will be open on July 7 (Monday, holiday), August 21 (Monday, holiday), and September 8 (Monday, holiday).
[Opening hours] 9:30-17:00
*Open until 7pm every Friday and Saturday, as well as on Sunday, July 20th, Sunday, August 8th, and Sunday, September 10th.
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
[Venue] Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan
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