The Asian Arts Museum of Nice is presenting its temporary exhibition “Samurai: From War to the Way of the Arts”. It offers an exploration of the life and codes of these highly prestigious figures who are still respected today.
The exhibition traces the history of the samurai, both in war and in their habits and pastimes, across the centuries. Visitors can discover a large number of armors and weapons, with comprehensive explanations about the specific period associated with them and their evolution. Some pieces are very old, dating back to the 16th century.
All Japanese folklore plays a role in the life of the samurai. Thus, there is a room dedicated to Buddhism and Shintoism, the two dominant religions, as well as the deities, legends, and stories that helped shape the country. The exhibition also mentions the Portuguese invasion of Japan, which had a great impact on the country’s history.
A collection of personal and leisure items showcases the life of the samurai during the Edo period, a 250-year era of peace during which they remained present, taking on roles other than as warriors.
On view until January 7, 2018, the exhibition was created by the museum, thanks to the loan of Greg Riffi’s collection, supplemented with help from museums like the Decorative Arts of Paris or the Cour d’Or of Metz.
