Imperial Household Artist
An Imperial Household Artist was an artist who was officially appointed by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan to create works of art for the Tokyo Imperial Palace and other imperial residences.
The Japanese Imperial crest on a cloisonné presentation vase by Namikawa Sōsuke
Imperial Household Agency
The Imperial Household Agency (IHA) is an agency of the government of Japan in charge of state matters concerning the Imperial Family, and the keeping of the Privy Seal and State Seal of Japan. From around the 8th century AD until the Second World War, it was known as the Imperial Household Ministry .
Imperial Household Agency headquarters in the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
The Ministry of the Imperial Household in Meiji era
The Imperial Household Agency building, located near the Sakashita gate of the palace
Image: Yoshitami Matsudaira