'Nagoya Castle' by Tsuchiya Koitsu, 1937

'Nagoya Castle' by Tsuchiya Koitsu, 1937. This image is also available on:

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Nagoya castle is one of the best examples of Japanese military architecture and a popular tourist attraction. The original Nagoya castle was built in the early 16th century and was the birthplace of Oda Nobunaga, who paved the way for the reunification of Japan under the rule of a Shogun after the turbulent 'Warring States' period. It was the Tokugawa who finished Nobunaga's conquests, and once they had secured the title of Shogun they ordered Nagoya castle rebuilt and enlarged in the early 17th century. Nagoya was at the crossroads of two major trade routes, the Tokaido and the Nakasendo, and furthermore was now the capital of Owari province. It was expected that any further rebellions against Tokogawa authority would have to break themselves against the castle walls before they could advance towards the capital at Edo, and therefore the castle was always held directly by a branch of the Tokugawa family.

The rebellions never came. Japan saw almost two hundred and fifty years of unbroken peace under the Tokugawa, until their failure to modernize the country enough to keep foreign powers at bay led to a restoration of direct Imperial rule (technically, the Shoguns had always been servants of the Emperor, in theory if not in practice). Nagoya castle never saw a day of siege. It was almost demolished after the restoration of the Emperor, as it was considered dangerous to leave a fortification of the Shogunate intact, but the decision was reversed. Apart from some earthquake damage in 1891, this reprieve meant that the castle was still largely in its original state when it was painted by Tsuchiya Koitsu in the 1930s. Unfortunately, its luck didn't hold, and substantial parts were destroyed by fires caused by American bombing in WW2. Although many original features still remain, much of the modern castle is a painstaking reconstruction. However, the cherry trees that Koitsu captured so beautifully still draw in the crowds every spring.

Product Details: 

Tote bag printed on one side with three color options.

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Size: 15" x 16.5" (38cm x 42cm)

Capacity: 21 pints (10 liters)

Available Colors: Natural, Black, White

Average Delivery Time: 4 - 6 working days

- Reinforced stitching on handles
- One-sided print
- 100% cotton

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