The Sophisticated Women and Men of Edo as Seen in Their Kimonos and Accessories

Never one to pass on an opportunity to host an exhibition that has very little to do with its stated purpose, the good old Tobacco & Salt Museum will see an exquisite collection of high-class fabrics on display this spring. All dated from the Edo to Taisho periods and assembled by bag merchant Kiyoshi Nakamura, these items include luxuriously embroidered kimono, wallet-like hakoseko, tobacco pouches and batik-printed sari imported from India and Java. The prints come with a high level of meaningful imagery; trying to figure out what's happening in each one is probably the most fun part of the exhibition. With a good 200 items on display, including depictions of hair styles and cosmetic tools, this one's a great chance to learn about the trends of bygone days.