Treasure Swords of the Tokugawa and Daimyo Families

Finished

Ieyasu Tokugawa, who settled the war at the end of the Muromachi period (1336-1573) and established a peaceful reign that lasted for about 260 years, was a hero. In an age of great rivalries, the hero ruled the country with great success, and treasured swords were collected from all over Japan.

In Ieyasu's time, Japanese swords were valued not only as weapons but also as gifts. Throughout the Edo period, the Tokugawa family and the feudal lords used Japanese swords to promote goodwill and diplomacy. When a feudal lord received his inheritance and retired from the shogunate, a sword was often presented to the shogunate as a gift of gratitude. Many of these swords have been carefully handed down to the present day, while their owners have changed.

This exhibition at the Shusui Museum of Art will focus on swords from the collection of the Tokugawa and daimyo families, including sword fittings and armor. We hope that visitors will appreciate the many fine examples of swords while recalling the episodes related to the treasured swords loved by the warriors.