Shogun Exhibition: Art of Samurai
April 19th-May 31st, 2025

Symbols of Strength, Identity and Power

By far the most important items owned by the Samurai worriers were their personal arms and armor, which provided both protection in battle and a vehicle for personal display.
Kabuto (兜) is a type of helmet first used by ancient Japanese warriors which, in later periods, became an important part of the traditional Japanese armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan.

SAIGA STYLE KABUTO

 
 
 
 
 
Edo period
Price Upon Request
These distinctive devices helped the warrior to stand out among tens of thousands of enemies and allies, 
ensuring that his actions were visible to all.
 
宇治川大合戦先陣図/歌川 国綱 

Race at the Great Battle of Uji River


Woodblock Print by Utagawa Kunitsuna (1805-1868)
Price $1,700

The print depicts the second of two dramatic battles that took place in 1183 at the Uji River, during the Genpei wars (between the Minamoto and Taira clans).

 

 
The two competed to cross first, an incident that was famously recounted in the medieval epic, The Tale of The Heike, and was a popular subject of paintings and of musha-e warrior prints.
https://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/u/ujigawanokassen.htm
We hope this exhibition will aid in understanding the samurai and their daimyo lords as more than just skillful military strategists and fighters.
The objects presented here demonstrate that they were also dedicated artists and patrons of the arts.
 
Taka maki-e (高蒔絵) Document Box with Motif of Landscape/Cherry Blossoms
 

Provenance: 松平家 Matsudaira Family
A Japanese daimyō of the late Edo period