2015 / “Samurai: Japanese Armor” exhibition at LACMA, Oct.19, 2014 – Feb.1,2015
LACMA is exhibiting “Samurai: Japanese Armor from the Anne and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection.”
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will exhibit two shows exploring the subject of samurai art this fall.
In October, LACMA presents the Southern California premiere of “Samurai: Japanese Armor from the Anne and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection,” a major presentation of battle gear worn by samurai from the 12th through the 19th centuries.
Examining the evolution of samurai accoutrements through the centuries, this exhibition features more than 140 objects of warrior regalia, including eighteen full suits of armor, elaborate helmets and face guards, and life-size hore-clad armors.
The Samurai Collection, one of the most comprehensive private holding of samurai armor in the world encompassing several hundred pieces and spanning the centuries.
“Samurai: Japanese from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection” will be exhibited at Resnick Pavilion from October 19, 2014 through February 1, 2015. This exhibition is required to buy a ticket beside regular admission.
A complementary exhibition to the samurai armor show will be on view at the Pavilion for Japanese Art starting in November.
“Art of the Samurai: Swords, Paintings, Prints, and Textiles” showcases samurai swords and examines the warrior lifestyle.
In the Helen and Felix Juda Gallery, a presentation of swords, sword fittings, and other weaponry from local collections will be display.
From the LACMA collection, an array of color woodblock prints depicting warriors in battle will be on view as well as selection of garments worn by samurai and their wives.
Battle screens and paintings made for the samurai will also be on view.
“Art of the Samurai: Swords, Paintings, Prints, and Textiles” will be exhibited at the Pavilion for Japanese Art from November 1, 2014 through March 1, 2015.
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Lecture: Samurai Life During the Edo Period
Prof. Luke Roberts, the University of California at Santa Barbara
Sunday, November 9, 2:00 pm
Brown Auditorium. Free and open to the public.
The Edo period (1615 – 1868) in Japan was governed by samurai who were hereditary warriors. Samurai were expected to cultivate “the dual way of letters and war.” Yet it was an era of no war and much commercial growth. Sustaining one’s military character was challenge in an age of peace, but the opportunities for cultural activities were many.
In this talk, Japanese history professor Roberts introduces the lives of some average samurai of the Edo period with a particular focus on the place of military skills and cultural activities in their lives.
