Formal Chamber of a Daimyō’s Residence
These partial reconstructions of reception chambers in Nagoya Castle, the Kusarino-ma and the Hiroma from the Ninomaru residence, include display alcoves (tokonoma), staggered shelves (chigaidana), and writing alcoves (shoindoko) equipped with authentic furnishings.
Monk Reading Sutra in the Moonlight ( left of triptic hanging scrolls) (China, Yuan dynasty, 1295) by Picture and inscription by Wu ZhuziThe Tokugawa Art Museum
Hanging scrolls refer to painting and calligraphy, which have been mounted and reinforced with Japanese paper or silk or some fabric to be hung in the alcove or on the wall.
Monk Budai (center of triptic hanging scrolls) (China, Southern Song dynasty, 13th c.) by Traditionally attributed to Hu Zhifu, Inscription by Yanqi Guangwen.The Tokugawa Art Museum
In East Asia, painting and calligraphy were mounted as hanging scrolls, which were then hung to be aesthetically enjoyed. These works could also be rolled up and stored away in wood boxes.
Monk Mending His Clothing in the Morning Sunlight ( right of triptic hanging scrolls) (China, Yuan dynasty, 1295) by Picture and inscription by Wu ZhuziThe Tokugawa Art Museum
Since a hanging scroll could easily be taken down and replaced with another painting or calligraphy, works that suited a particular season or event cold be used to decorate the interior.
Carved Red Lacquer Tray with Birds and Gardenia (China, Yuan dynasty, 14th c.) by Zhangchang (Signed)The Tokugawa Art Museum
The Reception Hall included a shallow decorative alcove, staggered shelves, and a built-in desk.
Decorative trays were usually placed under vases and incense burners displayed in reception rooms.
Lidded Food Serving Container with Tray (China, Ming dynasty, 15-16th c.)The Tokugawa Art Museum
These ornate Chinese food boxes were made using techniques such as carved lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay and were highly prized as alcove decoration.
Exhibit created by the Tokugawa Art Museum.
