Themed Exhibit Ukiyo-e: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers (Chushingura)
Exhibit Period
Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Monday, January 13, 2020
Exhibit Times
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(last admissions at 4:30 p.m.)
Museum closed
December 2, 9, 16, 23, 28-31, 2019; January 1-3, 6, 2020
Admission Fee
Adults: 500 (450) yen High School, College Students: 300 (270) yen * Fees in parentheses are group rates for 20 or more visitors * Free admission for visitors aged over 70 years, elementary and junior high school students, and preschoolers * Half price for visitors with a physical disability certificate, and half price for one accompanying caregiver
Overview
On December 14, 1703, forty-seven former retainers of the Ako Clan attacked the Kira Clan mansion, beheading Kira Kozuke-no-suke—the long-time enemy of their former lord. This is the so-called ‘Ako Incident.’ In the midst of an age of continued peace, the loyalty story of how these masterless samurai avenged their lord was well-received by the populace. The story has been transformed into ukiyo-e art, Kabuki performances and television dramas, continuing to please many even today. This exhibit introduces us to the world of Chushingura centering on Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s “Biographies of Loyal and Righteous Samurai” and Utagawa Yoshitora’s ‘From the Forty-seven Loyal Retainers.’