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.

Images: 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; Thomas R. DuBrock; Jinbako, Incense Guessing Game (Jushukobako), early 20th century. Japan. Unknown Japanese artist. Wood, lacquer, gold powder, mother-of-pearl, wool, mica, steel, brass, silver, bone, feather, paper, ink, gilt, silvered and brocaded paper, and silk wrapping cloths. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Gift of George S. Heyer, Jr. in honor of Charles A. Perlitz III, 2012.416.1–.12. Photograph © The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Thomas R. DuBrock; Shogunal Wedding Set, 18th century. Unknown Japanese artist. Wood and lacquer with gold and silver maki-e, gilt bronze, and fur. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. in honor of its 15th anniversary; Nanako and Dale Tingleaf; the Japan Business Association of Houston; Stephen Hamilton; Dr. Ninan and Sushila Mathew; Barbara E. Butler; Keiji Asakura; and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Lee Dunn III, 2006.388.1–.14. Photograph © The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Thomas R. DuBrock.

Love Island: Japanese Weddings of the Edo Period is organized by the Dallas Museum of Art. Free General Admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is funded, in part, by the Robert Gerard Pollock Foundation. Additional support for the Museum is provided by generous DMA Members and donors, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.