Japanese, Okegawa-do Tosei Gusoku (Samurai Chest Armor with Riveted Cuirass), 18th century, lacquer, velvet, silver, metal, fiber, and wood, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by the Friends of Asian Art; Dr. Ellen R. Gritz and Mr. Milton D. Rosenau, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Pershant Mehta; Ms. Miwa S. Sakashita and Dr. John R. Stroehlein; and the Elizabeth S. and Marjorie G. Horning Asian Art Accessions Endowment Fund.

Samurai, in effect, ruled pre-modern Japan. The elite warrior caste’s military code and culture had a profound impact on Japanese art and society. Soldiers formalized as clans beginning in the 8th century, and samurai culture flourished for nearly 700 years, until the formation of the modern Japanese military.

Samurai traditions, including armor and regalia, still symbolize the storied service of noble samurai clans. Japanese armor developed between the 10th and 11th centuries, when samurai fought on horseback. This armor continued to reflect the evolution of battle tactics and the role of samurai into the 20th century.

Presented by Milan-based art dealer Giuseppe Piva, this talk explores the rich history of the samurai and their protective armor: material, form, and design. Among the examples highlighted is Samurai Chest Armor with Riveted Cuirass (pictured above) from the MFAH collection.

Lecture is FREE with admission to the museum.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet in the Law Building for the lecture.

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