arustocracy — edo period

We will soon be listing a rare fumi-e, an antique Japanese icon with an unusual and disconcerting history. During a time of religious oppression in Japan, Christianity was illegal. Fumi-e (“stepping-on pictures”) were used by the Tokugawa shogunate as a test of allegiance: suspected Christians were ordered to trample an image of Christ or the Virgin Mary to prove they were not believers. Those who refused could face imprisonment, torture, exile, or death.  Because of their rarity and symbolism, they are sought after by collectors and museums. There are many categories of antiques and collectibles that shall remain nameless that...