Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Lecture / Samurai Life during the Edo Period
Sunday, November 9, 2014, 2:00 pm
Free and open to the public
Luke Roberts, professor of Japanese history at the University of California, Santa Barbara, introduces the lives of a number of average samurai from the Edo period, focusing on military skills and cultural activities in heir lives.
This lecture is held in conjunction with the exhibitions: Samurai: Japanese Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection and Art of the Samurai: Swords, Paintings, Prints, and Textiles
The Edo period (1615–1868) in Japan was governed by warriors who earned the hereditary title of samurai. These figures were expected to cultivate “the dual way of letters and war,” yet the period was defined not by war, but by commercial growth.
Given the circumstances, it was a challenge to sustain military character, however, the period also afforded an opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
This program is sponsored by Bonhams. Additional support provided by the Japan Foundation.