Samurai: Japanese Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection

A fascinating Southern California premiere covering 7 centuries of battle gear worn by the Samurai is currently on view at LACMA, from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection.

Spanning from the 12^th through the 19^th centuries, the exhibit illuminates the life, culture and pageantry of the samurai warriors marking the evolution of both the functional and visually sumptuous Samurai accoutrements through the centuries.

Meaning “to serve by one's side”, the samurai class existed from the year 792 until its dissolution in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration. Starting as combat gear for equestrian archers, it evolved into full scale infantry and cavalry armies equipped with spears, swords and matchlock guns. After Tokugawa shogunate's 1615 ushering of an era of peace, the arms and armor became ornamental ceremonial gear symbolizing the ancestral battlefield valor, rank, income, prestige and the elite heritage of samurai families.

Showcased are over 140 pieces of armor, helmets, handheld weapons and horse-clad armors. Worn by senior warriors and feudal provincial governors, the elaborate suits of armor, helmets and face guards were made of iron, leather and precious as well as semi-precious metals weighing a total of 20 to 45 lbs, very light when compared to European or Persian armor. The well displayed exhibit includes an impressive, life-size presentation of charging samurai horsemen at the entrance of the exhibit.

Highlights include the Armor of the Tatehagidō Type shown with horse armor, a horse mask and horse tack symbolizing the prestige and power of their owners during ceremonies that paid tribute to high ranking leaders or marked special occasions. Before the 17^th century samurai horses did not wear armor. Also featured are exquisitely decorated helmets, such as the Flame Helmet representing the Flaming Jewel.

The Armor of the Okegawadō Type is one of three suits of armor in the exhibition that illustrate how armor became increasingly decorative during the 250 years of peace that marked the end of samurai dominance.

Comprised of LAMCA holdings and local loan collections, the Art of the Samurai: Swords, Paintings, Prints and Textiles complements the Japanese Armor exhibit. Highlights include the Battle of Ichinotani and Battles of Dan-no-ura and Yashima, a 17^th century six panel screen depicting historic battles. Also featured is one of the finest examples of masculine samurai calligraphy, the Snow, Moon, Flower Calligraphy, a set of three hanging scrolls made by a leading member of the Tokugawa Shogun family.

The Samurai Japanese Armor exhibit runs through

February1, 2015, at the Resnick Pavilion. The Art of the Samurai runs through March 1, 2015, at the Pavilion for Japanese Art, 5909 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036. For more information call (323) 857-6000 or visit http://www.lacma.org/