Touring Exhibition Samurai

Samurai

Samurai features +100 exquisite objects related to the legendary Samurai warriors drawing from the rich and renowned Japanese collection of the Museo Stibbert located in Florence Italy, narrating the period from 1185-1868 when Japan was ruled by the samurai military class that embodied the ideals of and lived by the code of Bushido.

The exhibition unfolds in sections organized according to the typology of the objects – full suits of armor, helmets, swords, sword guards, saddles to be sure – but also exquisite objects intended for more personal use such as lacquered writing boxes and incense trays; delicate works of art such that portray a by-gone way of life. A series of suggestive graphic panels accompany the objects and the visitors. Not only do the panels provide informative text regarding the history of the samurai and the objects on view, but they also serve to enhance the exquisite details of the craftsmanship hidden in the objects.

Themes

  • Who Were the Samurai
  • Bushido, the Way of the Warrior
  • Samurai Armor
  • Samurai Weapons
  • The Edo Period

Contents

  • +100 original objects, including: full suits of armor, helmets, swords, sword guards, saddles, lacquered writing boxes and incense trays
  • Interpretive Graphic Panels
  • Modular Exhibition Design
  • Catalogue

Relevance

Highlights of the exhibition include 3 exquisite helmets by Ryoei, one of the most famous and talented helmetmakers. Only about 20 works attributed to Ryoei have survived; 6 of those are at the Museo Stibbert, and 3 on display in the exhibition.

Size

400-500 sq.mt

Exhibition Views

Original Artworks

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1-7668-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Suit of Armor

Late 18th century – beginning of the 19th century
Steel, leather, lacquer, wood, horsehair, silk, silk brocade

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2-8384-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Suit of armor

First half of the 18th century
Steel, gilded copper, lacquer, horsehair, leather, silk, silk brocade

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/3-8423-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Helmet

Second half of the 16th century
Steel, brass, copper alloy, leather, silk, hemp

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/4-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Helmet

End of the 17th century
Steel, lacquer

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Mid 18th century
Steel, gold, silver

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Quiver (Ebira)

First half of the 17th century
Wood, gold, mother-of-pearl, lacquer, reed, lacquered leather, silk

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/7-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Sword (Katana)

1573
Steel, gold, silver, copper alloy, wood, lacquer, silk, stingray skin

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/8-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Saddle (Kura)

Mid 17th century
Red oak, lacquer, mother-of-pearl, gold, hemp, silk

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/9-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Writing Box

2nd half of 18th century
Wood, lacquer

https://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10-Contemporanea-Samurai-360x600px.jpg

Smoking Accessory

3rd quarter of 19th century
Wood, lacquer, silver

About the Exhibition

Download the Exhibition Book








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      Contemporanea Progetti Srl – Via del Campofiore, 106 – 50136 Firenze – Italia – Reg. Imprese, C.F e Partita Iva: 04960390484 – Numero REA: FI – 505041 – Capitale Sociale: €. 72.858,00 i.v. – Certificazione ISO 9001:2008