Samurai culture was abolished in 1868.
The Met Museum in New York brings it back to life for us with their Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156–1868 exhibit opening October 21, 2009.
It will appeal to fans of history, martial arts, Japanese arms and culture "bringing
together the finest examples of armor, swords and sword mountings,
archery equipment and firearms, equestrian equipment, banners,
surcoats, and related accessories of rank such as fans and batons."
It will also teach us about "the
martial skills and daily life of the samurai, their governing lords,
the daimyo, and the ruling shoguns will also be evoked through the
presence of painted scrolls and screens depicting battles and martial
sports, castles, and portraits of individual warriors."
Coincidence or not, two days after the show opening, Christie's is hosting an Art of the Samurai Sale also in New York with 86 lots running from $2,000 to $250,000.
In between these 2 events, the Japan Society offers Sword and Serenity and Enshu Style Tea Ceremony & Kenjutsu (Art of the Sword) demonstration on Thursday, October 22 (6:30 PM) explaining how "the idea of “bun” and “bu” (The pen and the sword in accord) is central to samurai culture."
A Samurai themed October in New York for Tokyo Thursdays # 108
Previously: Our Everyday Harumi Contest Kicks off October 2, Win 3 Signed Copies