“Samurai.” The word conjures images of fierce Japanese warriors in elaborate helmets with swords drawn, but this superb presentation reveals that there is far more to know about this class that came to dominate Japan’s political life and whose legacy still lingers in many aspects of contemporary culture. Structured in three sections, Rise of the Samurai AD 800 to 1600, The Long Peace 1600 to the 1850s and After the Samurai 1876 to the present, the exhibition demonstrates the importance of the samurai, both men and women, not only in warfare but also in the governance and cultural development of Japan. Bringing together more than two hundred and eighty objects from twenty nine lenders, the show offers a rich array of flamboyant helmets and intricate armour, alongside depictions of combat in scrolls by masters such as Hiroshige. There are also revealing glimpses behind the public image the samurai sought to project. Displays of smoking accoutrements, a popular pastime for both male and female samurai, offer insights into their private lives. Attention is also drawn to the role the samurai image played in cross cultural exchange. Highlights include the curious portrait of Henry of Bourbon, Count of Bardi, who during a visit to Japan in 1889 commissioned himself to be depicted as a Japanese warrior, Tintoretto’s portrayal of the thirteen year old samurai who led a diplomatic delegation to the Vatican in 1582, and a suit of armour presented to Queen Victoria. These treasures are atmospherically lit, with projections used to striking effect throughout. The overall presentation is imaginative, evoking a strong sense of Japan and reinforcing its themes with confidence. Question pads and panels introducing individual samurai and their stories help to engage younger visitors, many of whom will arrive with preconceptions shaped by manga, video games and Disney films. The narrative is brought up to the present day, showing how long after the samurai class was abolished its mythology was used to inspire Japanese fighters during the Second World War, and how the iconic helmet style was later reimagined by George Lucas for Darth Vader in the Star Wars film series. Overall, this project succeeds in moving beyond familiar clichés to present the samurai as complex historical figures whose influence extended far beyond the battlefield. By combining outstanding objects, thoughtful interpretation and an engaging visual design, the exhibition offers both depth and accessibility for a wide audience. In tracing the evolution of the samurai from their rise to their enduring cultural afterlife, it makes a compelling case for their continued relevance, demonstrating how their values, imagery and myths still shape perceptions today.
Rated: ★★★★★
Reviewed by J.C.
Image: Woman's firefighting jacket and hood. John C. Weber Collection. Photo © John Bigelow Taylor
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