I am constantly amazed by what artisans throughout history have been able to create without the use of modern day tools. These photos from my visit to the recent Samurai exhibit at the MFA in Boston allow you to travel back in time. It was a remarkable display that brought together the themes of travel, craft and culture and gave much insight into the world of the Shogun and their military elite from the 12th thru 19th centuries. The exhibit was breathtaking, a collection from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection that has to be one of the most comprehensive in the world. Capturing the eternal warrior spirit and high quality artistry, these are some of the highlights.
These seemingly impenetrable suits of armor, were remarkably flexible because of a unique construction. All of this metal was woven together with laces either gold or colored. While they looked like silk, I’m sure it was something stronger, but it left beautiful pattern on each and every piece.
What I found most interesting was the meticulous design and craftsmanship linking the centuries of design together. The influence of trade and travel on the design of the helmets really caught my eye. Look at the adornmant on this headpiece.
