Kodaiji Sho Museum

Highlight

The exquisitness of detail in the lacuer wooks is a mark of art in the Momoyama period (late 16th – early 17th century). It revealed gentler side of warlord

Toyotomi Hideyoshi cherished the Kodaiji Makie lacquer wares

Founded by Hideyoshi’s wife Nene (1546~1624), Kodaiji Temple is now home to a collection of famous works gathered in from temples connected to Kodaiji.
Among these, the Kodaiji Makie were adored by Hideyoshi. Kodaiji Makie is the name that has been given to a refined gold lacquer ware craft that involves coating surfaces with colored lacquer and then decorating over the top of the lacquer with gold or silver powder; with the gorgeous pieces of the Momoyama period laying down the benchmark for this art. The bold contrast of gold lacquer motif on black lacquer background make these striking pieces a delight to behold. Often decorated in the grasses and plants of autumn, craftsmen used aventurine lacquer painting and needle drawing techniques in designs known as kamon-­chirashi, or scattered family crests, to come up with innovative designs, rich in color and gorgeous in form. No wonder the warlords of old prized these gems of utilitarian art.
Also, temple treasures such as paintings of Nene and Hideyoshi (Important Cultural Property) as well as other artworks and manuscripts are displayed on a rotation basis.