Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156–1868 | Past Exhibitions

Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156–1868

Works of art made of lacquer, paper, and textile are especially sensitive to damage from light and other elements. For this reason, fifty-seven of the more than two hundred works in the exhibition will be taken off view and replaced with similar examples during the first week of December. The list of selected highlights below includes the date range that each work will be on view.

Download the complete exhibition checklist (PDF).


		Haniwa (Terracotta Figurine) of a Standing Warrior Kofun period, 6th century Aikawa Archaeological Museum, Gunma Prefecture Important Cultural Property On view October 21–January 10

		Yoroi Armor with Red-Leather Lacing Heian period, 12th century Okayama Prefectural Museum National Treasure On view October 21–November 1

		Yoroi Armor with White Triangular-Pattern Lacing Nanbokuchō period, 14th century Kushibiki-hachimangū Shrine, Aomori Prefecture National Treasure On view December 8–January 10

		Dō-Maru Armor with Dark Blue Lacing Nanbokuchō period, 14th century Hayashibara Museum of Art, Okayama Prefecture Important Cultural Property On view October 21–November 29

		Haramaki with Multicolored Lacing, Ridged Helmet, and Large Shoulder Guards Muromachi period, 15th century Sata-jinja Shrine, Shimane Prefecture Important Cultural Property On view December 8–January 10

		Dō-Maru Gusoku Armor with Black Lacing and Three-Branched Deerhorn Helmet Momoyama period, late 16th century Private collection Important Cultural Property On view October 21–November 29

		Honda Tadakatsu Edo period, 17th century Private collection Important Cultural Property On view October 21–November 29

		Nimai-Dō Gusoku Armor with Dark Blue and Red Lacing Edo period, 18th century Okazaki City Museum, Aichi Prefecture On view October 21–November 29

		Nimai-Dō Gosuko Armor of Sakakibara Yasumasa Momoyama period, 17th century Tokyo National Museum Important Cultural Property On view December 8–January 10

		Umajirushi (Camp Standard) of the Yasumasa Family Momoyama period, 17th century Tokyo National Museum Important Cultural Property On view December 8–January 10

		Sashimono (Personal Flag) of Sakakibara Yasumasa Momoyama period, 17th century Tokyo National Museum Important Cultural Property On view December 8–January 10

		Sakakibara Yasumasa Edo period, 17th century Tokyo National Museum Important Cultural Property On view December 8–January 10

		Arming Jacket Momoyama period, 17th century Tokyo National Museum On view December 8–January 10

		Eboshi-Shaped Kabuto (Helmet) with Maedate (Crest) in the Form of a Mantis Edo period, 17th century Private collection On view October 21–November 29

		Kabuto (Helmet) in the Form of a Pagoda Edo period, 18th century Kyoto National Museum On view December 8–January 10

		Kanehira *Blade for a Tachi* (Slung Sword), known as "Ō-Kanehira" (Great Kanehira) Heian period, 12th century Tokyo National Museum National Treasure On view October 21–January 10**

		Nagamitsu *Blade for a Tachi* (Slung Sword), known as "Dai Hannya Nagamitsu" Kamakura period, 13th century Tokyo National Museum National Treasure On view October 21–January 10**

		Yukimitsu *Blade for a Tantō* (Dagger) Kamakura period, 14th century Tokyo National Museum National Treasure On view October 21–January 10**

		Kazaritachi Mounting with Nashiji Lacquer Edo period, 17th century The Tokugawa Art Museum, Aichi Prefecture On view October 21–January 10

		Cord-Bound Ito Maki No Tachi Mounting with Gold Nashiji Lacquer and Hollyhock Mon (Insignia) in Gold Maki-E Edo period, 17th century National Treasure On view December 8–January 10

		Yokoya Sōmin *Set of Menuki* (Grip Fittings) and Kozuka (By-Knife Handle) with Ni-Ō (Buddhist Guardian Figures) Edo period, 18th century Kyoto National Museum Important Cultural Property On view October 21–January 10**

		Tsuchiya Yasuchika Tsuba (Sword Guard) with the Zen Monk Bukan Edo period, 17th century Kurokawa Institute for Ancient Cultures, Hyōgo Prefecture Important Cultural Property On view October 21–January 10

		*Velvet Jinbaori* (Surcoat) with Mokkō and Paulownia Mon (Insignia) Edo period, late 16th century Ōsaka Castle Museum On view October 21–November 29**

		Jinbaori (Surcoat) with Sacred Volcano Motif Edo period, 17th century Ōsaka Castle Museum On view December 8–January 10

		Kura (Saddle) with Blossoming Cherry Trees Kamakura period, 13th century Agency for Cultural Affairs, Tokyo Important Cultural Property On view October 21–November 29

		Kura (Saddle) with Circular Motifs in Mother-Of-Pearl Inlay Kamakura period, 13th century Mitake-jinja Shrine, Tokyo National Treasure On view December 8–January 10

		Asai Nagamasa Momoyama period, 1589 Jimyoin Temple, Wakayama Prefecture Important Cultural Property On view December 8–January 10

		Oichi no Kata, Wife of Asai Nagamasa Momoyama period, 16th century Jimyoin Temple, Wakayama Prefecture Important Cultural Property On view December 8–January 10