Palanquin with maki-e design of the Gionmamori crests

Palanquins were subdivided and allocated to different social classes in the Edo period (1600-1868). This gorgeous palanquin was exclusively intended for women of high social rank, possibly carried by four bearers; two at the front and two at the back. It is sprinkled with gold powder, depicting two styles of the Tachibana family crest and a plum blossom scroll on the black lacquered surface. When you look at the inside of the palanquin, you might wonder how difficult it was to sit in such a narrow space for long journeys. However, in the Edo period, the women of the feudal lord class were only allowed to visit shrines or temples near their residences and were not allowed to go on long journeys. Therefore, the time spent in the palanquin is thought to have been short.