Samurai, Sunrise, Sunset

February 1-June 1, 2025

Step into the world of a Samurai and experience the armor, weaponry, and personal artifacts that comprise Samurai, Sunrise, Sunset. Dedicated to the powerful military class that ruled Japan for nearly 700 years, each item tells a story through its master craftsmanship and individual details.

The exhibition features some 100 pieces created between the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600) and the Meiji period (1868-1912). Full suits of Samurai armor illustrate the varying materials from which they were made - silk, leather, iron, steel, and brass - as well as their intricate decorative designs, braid lacings, and lacquer finishes. Spectacular helmets, fashioned in eccentric shapes, reveal their inspiration in sacred and natural elements. A range of Samurai weaponry demonstrates their military prowess, including examples of their iconic and legendary sword, the katana. Exquisite objects such as laquered calligraphy boxes, incense trays, and delicate vases tell the more personal story of Samurai life.

Armor, weaponry, and personal items were all important signifiers of social class, wealth, leadership positions, and family ties. They were always worn, even in times of peace. Through these pieces one can trace the social, political, economic, and familial histories of the Samurai class and broader Japan. 

Samurai, Sunrise, Sunset is organized by Contemporanea Progetti, Italy in collaboration with the Museo Stibbert, Italy, in cooperation with the EDG, USA.

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^{Images ©Archivio Fotografico Museo Stibbert.}