Sadako Takatsukasa

Shunkyo-in (December 23, 1820 (Bunsei 3, November 18) – October 26, 1840 (Tenpo 11, October 2)) was a woman of the late Edo period. She is known as the second wife (Mijirugon) of Tokugawa Nariomi, the 11th lord of the Owari Domain. Her father was Takatsuki Masahiro, and her adoptive father was Konoe Motohiro. She is also known by the real name Sachi-gimi and is sometimes referred to as Konoe Sadako.

Life

Before becoming the second wife of Tokugawa Nariomi, the 11th lord of the Owari Domain, she was born as the daughter of the regent Takatsuki Masahiro. The exact place of her birth is unknown, but during the Edo period, she came from a noble family on both the court and samurai sides. At an early age, she was adopted by Konoe Motohiro, a prominent court noble, and raised as his adopted daughter.

Subsequently, she was engaged to Tokugawa Nariomi, the lord of Owari, who had previously lost his wife, Jōju-in. Upon marrying him, she officially became the consort (Mijirugon) of the lord of Owari. The couple did not have children.

In 1839 (Tenpo 10), following Nariomi’s death, she took tonsure around the age of 20 and took the name Shunkyo-in.

In 1840 (Tenpo 11), she died at the young age of 21. Though detailed records of her life are limited, her early death is well known.

Artifacts and Historical Materials

Currently, at the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, there is on display a set of wedding furnishings believed to belong to Shunkyo-in, known as the “Kiku-ori-e Makie Ttitle.” It is said that these items were used during her wedding.

According to wedding-related documents, the total cost for the wedding of a noble family and a samurai family was approximately 50,000 ryō. This high expenditure reflected the prestige and formality of the occasion at that time.

Notes

- Specific details regarding her exact birthplace and comprehensive life records are limited.