Samourai at Quai Branly
Closing soon (Sun 29 Jan) is this fascinating exhibition presenting the armor of the mythical Japanese warriors, the Samurai. Through over 140 objects – full suits of armor, helmets, weapons, horse armor and accoutrements – the exhibition shows the evolution of the omote dogu – external appearance and equipment of the samurai warrior – from the twelfth to nineteenth century, a period that saw the rise and expansion of the fascinating samurai culture. Samurai belonged to the intellectual elite of Japanese society and practiced disciplines often contrasting with the violence of the art of combat, such as calligraphy, poetry and literature. Their armorers worked as artists creating beautiful pieces, most with delicate details, which were also capable of protecting the samurai in the most violent of battles.
Until Sun 29 Jan. 11am-7pm (9pm Thu, Fri, Sat). Closed Mon.
Musée du Quai Branly, 37 quai Branly, portail Debilly, 7th. M° Pont de l’Alma. www.quaibranly.fr/