Posted in Books I Love, Guest Contributor, Inspiration, tagged art, art of war, arts, Asian art, Barbier-Mueller Collection, culture, design, Japanese armor, Japanese art, Museum of Fine Arts on June 12, 2013|
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My first impressions of ancient Japanese warriors were formed by the Akira Kurosawa movies that used to air on Saturday mornings when I was a child. Later, I read James Clavell’s Shogun. That was a heavenly experience for someone who had yet to leave her hometown, let alone travel the world. I haven’t seen the Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai, all the way through, though somehow I managed to buy the soundtrack. All that to say, it was quite the treat to view the current Boston Museum of Fine Arts exhibit, Samurai!
Photo by DL
As described on the MFA website, samurai were “the military elite led by the shoguns, or warlords, of Japan from the 12th through 19th centuries.” Through August 4th, the MFA is featuring this exhibit of Samurai armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection that highlights how armor design and use evolved over time from actual warfare to more showcase.
Photo by DL
I have to thank my friend, DL, for dragging me out the door to see this exquisite exhibit. It was quite fascinating to see the layerings of cloth, metal and even paper that formed protective barriers for men (and horses!) — pieces that remain enduring works of great art. Afterwards DL and I wandered over to the Egyptian area but that’s a story for another day. If you’re in Boston before August 4th, I hope you have a chance to visit. There’s also fun stuff on the MFA website.
Photo by DL
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