EXHIBITION OVERVIEW

The bushi—Japan’s feudal warrior caste—and their battles were glorified by artists of the time, portrayed on picture scrolls, folding screens and other works in uniquely Japanese fashion. Our “Samurai Art” exhibition features many of the bushi’s personal articles, from the most essential like his tachi longsword and armor, to the inro belt-hung case containing small items of fairly prosaic utility. All, however, were crafted with exquisite care and beauty by master artisans, making these works the caste’s most cherished possessions. The majority of pieces on display are drawn from our museum’s collection, with the rest on loan from art museums from around the world.