Exhibition Outlines

Cabinets have played an important part among the Japanese interior decorations since old times, not only for practical use as storage and to display ornaments, but also as one of the furnishings decorated themselves with makie, relief, metal ornaments, etc.

There are a large number of cabinets passed down within the Imperial Court in our Museum collection. They were created between the late Edo period to early Showa periods, in various styles and designs. The cabinets of the late Edo period were used daily rather than in court events, and show the traditions of wedding furnishings. In modern times, works created either according to Imperial order, purchased at exhibitions, gifts to the Imperial family on auspicious events were added to the Imperial collection. Among them are lacquer pieces that represent modern lacquer art created with the essence of skill of the era. Furthermore in this era, there are examples characterized by their accompanying objects, to be displayed exclusively.

In this exhibition, we will display these cabinets and their ornaments. We hope you will enjoy the variety of designs and superior techniques of each piece while perceiving the transition in furniture styles over the times.