Japanese Arts of the Edo Period, 1615-1868

This exhibition is the first of two to feature paintings, lacquer, and ceramics of the Edo period from the Freer Gallery's extensive permanent collection. Innovation within the established arts and in new art forms—such as Kabuki Theater, woodblock prints, porcelain, and other decorated ceramics—as well as new schools of painting and calligraphy contributed to the vitality and energy of Edo culture. Under the rule of the Tokugawa shoguns who established their government at Edo (now Tokyo), it became the largest city in Japan and the world by the 18th century and fostered a new popular urban culture that was distinct from the courtly culture of Kyoto, the traditional artistic center of Japan.