明治天皇の洋装化

―宮内庁書陵部所蔵『御用度録』を参考に―

抄録

  This report describes how Emperor Meiji's costume changed from the end of the Edo Period to the beginning of the Meiji Era. When he lived in Kyoto, he wore a traditional costume called a Kugeshouzoku (nobility dress). However, after he moved to Tokyo, his costume changed drastically, because he was forced to westernize his way of life in all respects. In Kyoto, he showed his authority as Mikado with Three Sacred Treasures beside him. In Tokyo, everything was different. He had to represent his authority, not by those symbols but through his new dress: he had to give dignity and nobility to his military uniforms. Emperor Meiji's uniforms were henceforth decorated with epaulets, gold strings, and gorgeous chrysanthemum-pattern embroidery. This is clearly evident in the “Goyoudoroku” receipt lists of purchases by the Imperial Family owned by the Imperial Household Agency.