Kimbell Art Museum presents Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection

Kimbell Art Museum presents Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection an exhibition on view through August 31, 2014..

Fearsome warriors clad head-to-toe in highly decorated armor, samurai of 12th through 19th century Japan symbolized the power, honor and valor of the country’s military elite. Led by omnipotent warlords called shoguns, samurai have long fascinated the public, providing insight into their military prowess and lifestyle as well as the artistry of their elaborate armor, helmets and accoutrements of warfare.

This exhibit showcases more than 140 works from the Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Muller Museum: The Samurai Collection of Dallas, Texas is one of the finest private holdings of samurai armor in the world. Among the works featured will be 18 full suits of armor, including one formerly owned by the Yoshiki branch of the Mōri clan, a prominent family whose origins date to the 12th century. Special highlights of the exhibition will include three life-size horses clad in armor, illustrating the pageantry of samurai and their mounts in battle or procession, and an impressive array of beautifully detailed helmets and masks. It will be the first traveling exhibition displayed in the Kimbell’s new Renzo Piano Pavilion.

For more information, please visit www.kimbellart.org