During the political turmoil at the end of the Edo period (1615–1868), Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, where Kōdai-ji Temple is situated, served as the historical stage for activities of the shogun’s vassals and the imperial loyalists. The era from the end of the Edo to Meiji period, in the mid-19th century, represented a turbulent transition in which the powers attempting to create a new political system and those trying to reorganize the Tokugawa shogunate and preserve the government ruled by the shogun were in direct opposition. During these years, Kōdai-ji also underwent a difficult time during which many of its buildings were destroyed by fire.

However, the Meiji period witnessed movements to honor Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s achievements and the influence of this trend also benefitted Kyoto. Kōdai-ji, which has been connected with the Toyotomi clan, received donations from its supporters, allowing it to begin on a path of restoration. After many hardships, the temple finally welcomed a new age. From the Meiji period (1868–1912) onward, valuable arts and crafts were presented as tributes to Hideyoshi and Nene.

The exhibition showcases artworks from the Momoyama period (1573–1615) that the temple safeguarded during the turbulent years and, newly offerings presented Hideyoshi, his wife Nene and Kōdai-ji Temple.