art of the samurai {met}

This is the last week for the Met Museum exhibit called Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor. I went to check it out as I know there is so much rich history, culture and artistry involved with anything samurai - Japanese warriors who were members of the feudal military aristocracy. Aristocracy, being the keyword, samurai held a high and respected role and led lavish lifestyles for their time. The Met collection {apparently the first comprehensive exhibition devoted to the arts of the samurai in the US} featured samurai helmets, armor, clothing, swords and their cases, saddles and artwork. The objects date from the rise of the samurai in the late Heian period, ca. 1156, through the early modern Edo period, ending in 1868, when samurai culture was abolished. Every item is hand crafted with artistry, which shows the high respect and honor that was given to these warriors. You get to see many pieces that are practical warrior tools that also embody many layers of symbolism. Various helmets were crafted for indiviuals that represented their philosophies and beliefs. There was a helmet that was in the shape of a swallow's tail {bottom image} that was not only aerodynamic, but also represented the speedy force in how a swallow flies. My other favorites from the exhibit included a video that showed how 15 people and 6 months are involved to create 1 sword, as well as jinbaori {surcoats that warriors wore off of the battefields} that had amazingly modern motifs despite them being created in the 16th and 17th century. I recommend the exhibit for anyone who wants a glimpse of this realm of Japanese culture {up at the Met until Jan 10}.


{Photos courtesy of Met Museum - photographs were not allowed for this exhibit}