SAMOURAÏ ARMURE DU GUERRIER
08/11/11 – 29/01/12
Mezzanine East
For the first time in Europe, the musée du quai Branly presents the exceptional collection of samurai armor assembled by Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller. The aim of the exhibition is to introduce the public to the world of ancient Japan and the role played by the samurai warrior for almost nine centuries, through a collection of objects, complete suits of armor, helmets and equestrian caparisons used in battle as well as in ceremonies and parades.
Samurai belonged to the intellectual elite of Japanese society, and often practiced disciplines that contrasted with the violent art of combat, such as calligraphy, poetry and literature. Their armourers performed a veritable artist’s work for them, creating pieces of great beauty and refinement of detail – yet protecting them at the height of the most violent battles.
The armor of ancient Japanese warriors, particularly lacquered metal helmets, with ornaments and crests often inspired by nature, had the additional functions of signalling the warrior’s status, differentiating each samurai in the chaos of battle, and scaring off the enemy on the battlefield.
Through 140 exceptional objects – complete suits of armor, helmets, weapons, horse caparisons – the exhibition presents the evolution of omote dogu (the warrior’s outward appearance and equipment) from the 12th century to the 19th century, when the noble-blooded warrior caste disappeared and merged with modern Japan.
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
