Tooth Dye Set with Bamboo Lozenges and Hollyhock Crests Design in Maki-e Lacquer. Part of paraphernalia of Princess Toyo-hime. Edo period, Dated 1816 (Bunka 13). Lacquered wood with gold maki-e decorations. (Courtesy of Tokyo National Museum)

Art of the Samurai: Selections from the Tokyo National Museum features 81 objects from the Tokyo National Museum, representing the art and aesthetics of the samurai culture of Japan.

This collection dates primarily to the Edo period (1603–1868) with many pieces classified as Important Cultural Property and National Treasures.

The exhibition features various objects that are a testament to the accomplished level of society, education, and skills developed by the samurai during the 10^th and 20^th centuries.

Some objects included are handcrafted swords, armor, tea-ceremony utensils, screen and scroll paintings, Noh theatre costumes, and other fine works.

Art of the Samurai: Selections from the Tokyo National Museum opens at the Bowers Museum on April 19, 2009, and remains on view through June 14, 2009, in the Anderson-Hsu-Tu Gallery.

For nearly 700 years, from the latter half of the 12^th century until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the military bushi (warrior class) were at the helm of government in Japan. During the mid-Heian period (10^th century), groups of bushi warriors formed throughout the country.

Because some of the warriors served the centrally located nobles in Kyoto, they were called samurai or, literally, “those who serve in close attendance to nobility.”

Originally, their social position was low and they were considered as assistants or attendants; however, in the Edo period, the samurai began using armed force and became more powerful.

They created a culture of their own based on the lifestyles of the nobles, which was marked by strength and simplicity. The life of the warriors was simple, and their philosophy stressed the importance of bravery and dedication to their lords, as well as their clans and houses.

This became the basis of bushido (way of the warrior) and elevated the samurai into a refined social class.

Art of the Samurai: Selections from the Tokyo National Museum illustrates the multiple aspects of samurai life from their battle regalia to daily way of living.

The exhibition consists of two thematic sections revealing the samurai legacy: Attire of the Samurai, which mainly features swords and armor; and Samurai Culture, featuring costumes for Noh performance and tea ceremony paraphernalia, plus examples of their everyday items, including garments, accessories, and furnishings.

In addition, the exhibition includes the Chronicle of Yoshitsune screen loaned by Etsuko and Joe Price, and the Shin'enKan Foundation of Los Angeles.

Samurai viewed the battlefield as a place to display their bravery and honor, and they were granted lands from their lords when achieving military success. They risked their own lives to make names for themselves as heroic and skilled warriors and wore their battle attire with pride.

This sense of duty influenced the colorful designs of Japanese armor. Domaru Gusoku Style Armor with White Lacing (17^th century) reflects this type of brightly decorated and highly embellished armor. The Domaru-style armor had an opening under the right arm and was preferred by high-ranking warlords for its greater agility and light weight.

Swords were the most important tools for the samurai and cherished to such a degree that they were referred to as their spirit. Japanese swords are known for their unique curvature, a characteristic developed during the early 11th century.

To receive one as a gift from the shogun (head of military government) or daimyo (feudal lord) was held in high esteem. Usually, the samurai wore a long and short sword at their hip along the belt.

The exhibition includes a tachi (high curve) sword made by the famous swordsmith Sukezane, a National Treasure from the Kamakura period (1192–1333). The external design of the sword features a shorter, sharper tip that creates a powerful impression.

Away from the battlefield, the samurai perceived Noh performance and tea ceremony as the two most important genres of cultural life. Noh theatre is an ancient art form that was created during the middle ages, where the women’s roles are played by men.

The level of Noh drama developed from a form of entertainment enjoyed by commoners to an art form appreciated by members of the nobility and warrior class. With masks and costumes, Noh actors express the highly spiritual sense of the story and invite the viewers’ hearts to the world of yugen (profound grace and subtlety).

The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as cha-no-yu, was first brought to Japan from China by a Zen priest during the 12th century. Drinking tea took place in a tea ceremony room, with an alcove decorated with hanging scroll paintings or calligraphy, and specially designated utensils were used to enhance the sense of appreciation.

The tea ceremony is not merely about drinking tea, but also an opportunity for the host and guest to interact with each other and express their feelings. Examples of Japanese tea instruments used for private tea gatherings by samurai families are displayed in the exhibition.