Unidentified artist, noh costume (karaori) (detail), Japanese, late 18th to early 19th century. Silk; twill-weave ground, ikat-dyed warps, gilt paper strip discontinuous supplementary patterning wefts tied down with supplementary warps in twill-weave, silk discontinuous supplementary patterning wefts. William Sturgis Bigelow Collection.
Unidentified artist, noh costume (karaori) (detail), Japanese, late 18th to early 19th century. Silk; twill-weave ground, ikat-dyed warps, gilt paper strip discontinuous supplementary patterning wefts tied down with supplementary warps in twill-weave, silk discontinuous supplementary patterning wefts. William Sturgis Bigelow Collection.
Asserting Power Through Art: Shōgun and Emperor
2:00 pm–3:30 pm
Tickets (Member / Nonmember)
In-Person $28 / $35
Livestream $16 / $20
To ensure political and social stability, the Tokugawa military government imposed strict controls on almost every aspect of social life in Edo. Learn about the Kano school, the official painters to the shogunate, whose artworks—moralistic tales and Chinese-style landscapes—were often prescribed. Then explore Nō, the stately theatrical combination chant, music, and dance, which became the official entertainment for the military elite. Troupes and their requisite masks and sumptuous costumes were sponsored by governors of the various provinces, and chanoyu, gatherings for the drinking of tea and appreciation of works of art, were shaped by the tastes of the military aristocracy.
Anne Nishimura Morse, William and helen Pounds Senior Curator of Japanese Art, Art of Asia
Course Packages
Purchase a ticket package for the full four-session “From Edo to Tokyo” course. Please note that this option is not available after the date of the first session.
Assistive listening system
Wheelchair accessible
Ticket Information
To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-440-6975 ($6 processing fee applies); to order in person, visit any MFA ticket desk.
Livestream Tickets
The livestream ticket gives access to a live feed of the event that can be watched remotely. You must be logged in to the account used to purchase the ticket in order to access the livestream on the Video Content page. Please log in at least 5 minutes before the start of the event to test your connection.
Livestream ticket holders must watch the event live; there is no recording of the event available for viewing at a later time.
Bag Checks
All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, all liquids including hand sanitizer and sunscreen, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. All bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11” x 15” must be checked in the Coat Room upon entry. Read our full bag check policy.