In the periods covered by the show there were long spells of peace in which the samurai armour was only used for ceremonial purposes.īut its worksmanship remained of the highest order, combining etched metal plates with bamboo padding, lacquered decorations and other leather paraphernalia. The samurai had the privilege of carrying two swords and the right of 'killing and walking away,' laid down by imperial writ.Īfter Zen Buddhism came to Japan in the Middle Ages, the samurai devoted themselves not only to military training but also to meditation techniques that allowed them to attain absolute self-control. The 100 or so pieces date from the Azuchi Momoyama (1575-1603) and Edo (1603-1867) periods, when the caste sat atop Japan's hierarchical society, second only to the divine emperor. Until June 2 at Palazzo Reale, the legendary fighters come to new life through an array of swords, helmets, body armour and the distinctive trappings for man and horse designed to strike fear into the enemy. Japan's samurai live again in Milan in Italy's first major show on the warrior class who dominated the country for centuries.
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