Daimyo Gyoretsu Vintage Wooden Figures, Playset or Toy

• 
• 

This is wonderful set of vintage Japanese wooden carved or cut-out figures of a Daimyo Gyoretsu in original box.

During the Edo period, a law, called "Sankin Kotai" was created to help control the Daimyo (Feudal Lords). The law required every Daimyo to spend every other year in Edo (Tokyo). The travelling procession of the Daimyo household often included over 200 samurai (soldiers) and was called Daimyo Gyoretsu. With hundreds of Daimyo coming or going every year, these processions were common occurrences and must have been quite a sight.

This set has 15 figures plus a palaquin. Not sure how they are made but they are wood and are all hand painted. The figures range in size from approximately 1-5/8" to 2". The total height of the one holding the "spear" measures a little over 7". (The spear was "decorated" and could be seen from far away. Everyone would know what clan was on the move by the decoration). The stands that the figures are on measure 1-4/16" x 1-3/16". The length will be as long as you make it. These are in mint condition in the orginal box. The box shows it's age. It's dented, torn and soiled.

I hesitate to call this a playset or toy but I'm guessing they were like the little soldiers or cowboys and indians sets played with here in the U.S. It's an incredibly rare set. I think you'd be lucky if you ever see another of these.

This product was added to our catalog on Friday 07 December, 2007.