Hosokawa domain villa in Edo<

The Hosokawa, the daimyo family of Kumamoto, were one of the "eighteen country holders," the most powerful daimyo families in early modern Japan. The Hosokawa had several residences in Edo: a main residence, a secondary residence (for use if the main residence was damaged), and ancillary residences for leisure and entertaining. The photograph shows either a secondary or ancillary residence: the Hosokawa's main villa was surrounded by other daimyo villas, but the right side of the photograph shows commoner housing. The design of the structure, with windows on the second floor, suggests that it was used to house Kumamoto samurai stationed in Edo. The thick walls, covered in plaster and tile, were designed to protect the villa against fire and enemy attack.