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The Edo Period (1615–1868): Some Generalizations and
Assumptions
Assumption: During the Edo period, Japan was isolated from foreign countries.
While technically true, the reality is more complicated. The Edo government, led by the
Shogun (supreme military leader) prohibited foreign interaction. (The reasons for the prohibition
will be explored in the Historical Background section). Japanese were not allowed
to travel out of the country, and if they did they could not return. Foreign traders and missionaries
were expelled from the country. Only Dutch traders were permitted to continue
business at the Japanese port of Nagasaki; the foreigners were relegated to a small artificial
island called Deshima in Nagasaki Harbor. However, these regulations could not quell
Japanese citizens’ curiosity with other cultures. Chinese ideas and aesthetics were widely
studied and admired among literate Japanese. On average, 26 Chinese ships per year landed
at Nagasaki and indirect trade with Korea continued (Schirokauer, p. 321). Western ideas
came into the country via books brought by the Dutch. This gave rise to a new school of
thought called Rangaku (Dutch Learning) that focused on scientific analysis of the natural
world.
Assumption: Edo period culture was created by the residents of the capital city of Edo
(present-day Tokyo).
This is only partly true. Although the city of Edo grew to prominence during the 250 years
of the period, and was the locus for the development and dissemination of the woodblock
prints, Edoites were very conscious of the cultural heritage of Japan’s traditional, imperial
capital of Kyoto. A cultural rivalry between the two cities still exists today. The period is
characterized by growth and change, often associated with the city of Edo, but it is also
marked by a reverence for past traditions, represented by Kyoto. The city of Osaka, strategically
located on the coast south of Kyoto, was also thriving in this period, with an aesthetically
active intelligentsia. There is a saying from the Edo period that alludes to the flavor of
these three great cities: An Edoite is driven to poverty by love of entertainment, a Kyotoite
by love of dress, and an Osakan by love of food.
Generalization: Edo period society was strictly divided into four classes: samurai,
farmer, artisan, and merchant.
The class system instituted by the Shogunate was meant to ensure social stability, but one of
the most interesting aspects of Edo culture is that individuals were constantly finding ways
around the rules. Commoners, who included farmers, artisans, and merchants, were prohibited
from lavish displays of wealth, but subverted sumptuary laws that restricted the decoration
of residences, means of transportation, and dress. They did this by, for example, lining
their simple kimono with luxurious silks, or by following building restrictions superficially
so that from the exterior their home or shop appeared to be only one story when in fact it
was two. Although lowest in status, many merchants achieved great wealth during this
period. Naturally, they sought to enjoy their success by collecting beautiful objects and
spending money on extravagant entertainment. Occasionally, the government cracked down
on excess by issuing new edicts and enforcing them more rigorously. Even samurai, who
were expected to maintain high standards of conduct, felt constrained—they visited the
Kabuki theater and red-light districts in disguise.
Asian Art Museum Education Department