Purpose

The first Maeda lord, Toshiie (1538–1599), founded the Maeda family after being granted lands in northwestern Japan. Based in Kanazawa, his successors maintained control of the provinces of Kaga, Etchū and Noto throughout the Edo period (1603–1868). Their lands produced the highest yields of any domain at the time, making them one of the wealthiest samurai families in Japan. In the modern period, the Maeda relocated to Tokyo and were granted the title of marquess under the newly established Japanese peerage system. Even in their new home, the Maeda continued to protect and preserve cultural masterworks passed down by earlier generations. As part of these efforts, the sixteenth family head Toshinari (1885–1942) founded the Ikutoku Foundation (now the Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation) in 1926.

The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation. To commemorate this historic milestone, the current exhibition serves as a retrospective, looking back on the achievements of past lords and showcasing virtually all the masterpieces they acquired over the generations.

Over half a century has passed since the last large-scale exhibition featuring the Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation’s collection was held in Tokyo. At this event, visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore the Maeda cultural sphere that blossomed around the family’s castle. The cultural works and technological advances on view are part of the family’s enduring legacy in the realms of art and traditional craftsmanship.