Love Island: Japanese Weddings of the Edo Period

Uchikake (Wedding Kimono), late 19th century. Japan. Silk and gold. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, museum purchase funded by Ms. Miwa S. Sakashita and Dr. John R. Shoehlein, 2018.210. Photograph © The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Love Island: Japanese Weddings of the Edo Period explores the exquisite artistry and craftsmanship of some of the important elements of an Edo period bridal trousseau and touches on the strategic alliances that were created between Edo Japan’s Tokugawa shogunate and daimyo (provincial feudal lords) through matrimony. This installation features a selection of elegant and luxurious bridal objects on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, including a black and gold lacquer toilette set that once belonged to a member of the Tokugawa ruling clan, an incense guessing game set, and a lavish wedding kimono.