With the advent of peace in Edo-period Japan, the samurai class were instructed to maintain their warrior spirit through continued practice of archery (kyūdō) and the sword (kendō).

The open quiver (ebira) here is of wood with bamboo slats into which the arrows can be slotted. It is lacquered all over in deep red and carries the mon of the Shimazu family.

On his final day in Japan in May 1922, Edward, Prince of Wales was entertained by Prince Shimazu Tadashige (1886–1968), son of the last feudal lord of the Satsuma domain. Lunch was served at Prince Shimazu’s villa, followed by an archery demonstration. Afterwards, the Prince of Wales was presented with a complete set for archery practice, including an archer’s glove, arm guard and reel for spare bowstrings, as well as the items here.

Text adapted from Japan: Courts and Culture (2020)