Art of the Samurai

[MassiveMoonHeh]

Back in 2009 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York held an extraordinary and important exhibition called the Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868 [Held from October 21, 2009 to January 10, 2010].

 

The reason it was so extraordinary is because; One, this exhibition took over ten years to put together - in large part due to the incredible efforts of the organiser and curator Morihiro Ogawa.

 

And secondly, the Japanese Agency of Cultural Affairs allowed over 200 works of Traditional Japanese Swords and Armor including 34 National Treasures, 64 Important Cultural Properties and 6 Important Art Objects from over sixty collections to leave Japan for the first time to form part of this one time exhibition.

 

As an exhibition it was unparalleled to have so many important works from so many museums, shrines, temples and private collections in one place, even compared to anything ever done in Japan.

 

As part of the exhibition, as is common practice, the MET released a catalogue of the exhibition by the currator of the exhibition, Morihiro Ogawa.

 

The catalogue is over 368 pages and 16 years on from the exhibition is still available for sale, in its second print. You can still pick one up a first edition second hand, but a new copy retails for around $60 in paperback and over $200 in hard cover.

 

Recently, I found a link to a free PDF copy of this catalogue on the MET's website:

 

https://www.metmuseum.org/met-publications/art-of-the-samurai-Japanese-arms-and-armor-1156-1868

 

As a collective English book on the history of the Samurai and their omote dogu or "external equipment", explained through Japanese National Treasures and Important Cultural Objects I think it may be a first and is certainly second to none.

 

With the bright photos and explanations for each piece I think it is a fabulous thing to have for reference (and enjoyment.)

 

This in my opinion is one of the more important exhibitions and books in recent times on the subject.

 

Grab a copy whilst the link still works.

[Joseph P.]

Downloaded it, look forward to reading it. Thank you Brett! 

[Sebuh]

Was a bit too young in 2009 to enjoy this! thank you for the pdf!

[reinhard]

I've got the printed book, but the link to the PDF is much appreciated.

One of those exhibitions and publications that will become rarer and rarer, I'm afraid.

Thanks!

[Hector]

I actually printed it all off on a good quality printer and put it into a binder. I'm of that generation which prefers a hard copy of everything. 
Great reference - thank you!