Japanese Print "Arrival of the Daimyo to the Main Gate of Edo Castle in Chiyoda-Ward" by Toyohara Chikanobu

Artist:Toyohara Chikanobu

Title:Arrival of the Daimyo to the Main Gate of Edo Castle in Chiyoda-Ward

Date:March 1897

Details:More information...

Source:Worcester Art Museum
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Description:

The shogun's castle was situated in the Chiyoda-ward of Edo, the capital of the Tokugawa government (bakufu). Approximately two-hundred and sixty provincial daimyo and their vassals served in attendance at the shogun's court, every other year or six months depending on their rank. The triptych depicts daimyo in palanquins and retainers with gifts crossing a bridge over the moat to pass through Otemon, the main gate of Edo Castle. The feudal lords were obliged to bring prescribed tributes to the shogun on ceremonial occasions as well as upon their arrival to and departure from Edo. Samurai armed with swords and spears guard the castle. They await their masters seated on tatami-mats or standing around campfires. Attendants give water to horses, smoke pipes and light lanterns. Long evening hours offered the samurai serving various daimyo-clans a chance to discuss Edo experiences and developments in their home provinces. The influx of military lords with large retinues promoted national, cultural unity as well as the growth of Edo into a national center of commerce. Craftsmen, merchants, restaurant-owners and publishers catered to the sophisticated tastes of the daimyo and samurai and soon their products were also in demand in the provinces. However, the financial drain of their travels, homes and city-pleasures, forced many daimyo and their samurai to borrow money from merchants.

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