During the feudal era, warrior lords collected a large number of specially made weapons and armor. These were not only functional but were also decorated with elaborate designs to boost the morale of the commander and his troops. Even in the peaceful days of Edo Period, successive lords of clans made decorative arms and armor as status symbols of the family. Thus many unique arms and armor reflecting the aesthetic tastes of the lords are found among the treasures in the daimyo family collections today.

Eisei Bunko Museum houses numerous weapons and armor owned by the successive generations of the Hosokawa family. This exhibition introduces the equipment ordered by the highly cultivated Hosokawa lords, such as Gusoku armor, known as “Sansai style”, that was originally designed by the 2nd head Tadaoki (1563-1645), spectacular helmet worn by the 3rd head Tadatoshi, and Jinbaori (surcoat) which shows the development of European influence in Japanese culture.

Information

Start: Aug 17th 2021 at 10:00am

End: Sep 20th 2021 at 4:30pm

http://www.eiseibunko.com/english/