Tokyo's Edo Museum

On our last Saturday in Japan, Sister Harrison and I took a break from my training her to replace me in the mission office, and we went to the Edo Museum in Tokyo.  The Edo period in Japan's history was basically from the early 1600's to the late 1800's.  It was a time of expansion and the creation of beautiful art works.  It's the time in history when Shoguns and ninja warriors were "big."

As we exited the train station to walk to the nearby museum, 

we couldn't help but notice Tokyo's Sky Tree, the tallest tower in the world!  Mumbai was building one taller, so Japan added a 70' topknot to maintain the record!

As we rode the escalator to the display area, 

we loved seeing the paintings mounted along the wall.

 

This was a piece of roof decoration taken from a nearby shrine I had recently visited.

The ancient swastika is rather interesting!

This sign tells about Nihonbashi, one of the most famous bridges in Tokyo.
It was the main bridge leading to and from the capital city during the Edo period.
A portion of the bridge was reconstructed in the museum with exact dimensions.

A view from the bridge, looking at a popular "float" used in Japanese parades

Reconstruction of a European-style building, whose influence was felt in Japan during the Edo period.

Throughout the museum there were many dioramas of Edo-period villages as well as Shoguns' estates.

A close-up of the float

Exterior wall paintings alongside a building

Interior wall paintings done on the sliding paper doors

Beautiful artwork done on oyster shells

Another form of Japanese art, lacquer ware

Ancient clothing

Silk screen scroll

Interesting statue

Beautiful paintings done on silk screens

Unbelievable detail done on a folding screen

Good shots of the Nihonbashi bridge and model city of Tokyo

The palanquin--a hand-carried form of transportation during the Edo period

Another view of early Tokyo

Shogun attire, probably no heavier than medieval armored suits, I'd guess.

Looks like the forerunner to Darth Vader!

Military leader's folding fan

Thigh guards made of grain

Peasant wear

Soldier's boots

Edo period childbirth

Especially for Derek...

More paintings

These are firemen on their way to put out a fire.  The white "banner" is carried as a notice and a warning.

Two replicas of the fire banner

More paintings

Sumo portraits for sale

Me and a very interesting sail boat

Huge woodblock print

Each of these were signs hung out front of different businesses

I remember this one:  it was a Sweet Shop!  "Ame"

Small replica of that large float shown in the beginning

Painting done on wood

I guess it's time to catch a ride on the boat and sail home!  

It was a very enjoyable and worthwhile afternoon to say the least!!!