Daimyo Culture in Peacetime

Between the 1100s and the 1800s, most of Japan’s provinces were controlled by daimyo, feudal lords who emerged from among the warrior bands. Led by a shogun, the daimyo held political, military, and economic power in their localities and frequently contended for power amongst each other.

In 1615, the warrior Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) won a great victory and was conferred the title of shogun. The Tokugawa family ruled for almost 250 years, during a period known as the Great Peace. Instead of waging battles, daimyo pursued cultural activities and cultivated an image of privilege and power. During this peace, suits of armor, swords, and other military accessories became emblems of family legacies and power. Like the bridal palanquin opposite, elaborately decorated to emphasize a union between warrior and aristocrat, these military items known as omote-dogu (official objects) were designed to highlight the pedigrees of their owners.

As avid pursuers of civilian arts and culture, the daimyo also amassed vast collections of oku-dogu (private objects) that complemented their official displays. Many patronized the No theater, traditionally associated with the imperial court, commissioning richly ornamented robes and accessories. Some of the theatrical robes in the RISD Museum collection belonged to important daimyo families.

Wai Yee Chiong

Assistant Curator, Asian Art

with Danning Niu, RISD BFA / Brown BA 2020, INTAR and East Asian Studies