Exhibition 'Samurai' @ Wereldmuseum Rotterdam

[DirkO]

For those in my part of Europe (12/10/2012 -> 24/03/2013):

 

http://www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/tentoonstellingen/samurai.html

 

The information in English isn't available yet - so here's a quick translation I did from the Dutch info:

 

The 'Samurai' exhibit takes the visitor back to feudal times, where warlords, Daimyo, fought each other using powerfull samurai warriors.

 

Impressive armor, helmets and swords considered the "soul of the samurai", illustrate the highly developed warrior culture. The weapons are extremely refined and decorated with heraldry, patron gods and mystical creatures.

 

The ethical code, bushido, proclaimed a lifestyle of honor, loyalty and respect within the warrior class. The samurai elite used the same level of dedication for different arts: calligraphy and tea ceremony, delicately carved netsuke and inro paintwork. The mystical Noh-theater, the official theatre form of the samurai, with animated masks, depicts the legendary warriors coming back from the dead to return to the battlefield.

 

A surprising element is the Dutch influence on the samurai warrior equipment, caused by the special bond between the two countries.

 

The famous epic of the 47 Ronin is the spectacular culmination of this international exhibition of masterpieces from private collections and museums in Japan and Europe.

[Takahashi]

Thank you for the info Zanshin!

I just went to the museum today as I was visiting someone in Rotterdam. :D Even the regular exhibition ist worth a stop.

It is not focusing on nihonto or Japanese art alone but I got the strong feeling of being in a budhist temple. The atmosphere put chills down my spine. I highly recommend a visit, especially when the samurai exhibit starts. By the way, the museum does not charge visitors for the permanent exhibtion or an English audio guide.

Cheers,