Samurai

Discover the reality behind a millennium of myth at this immersive exhibition on Japan’s legendary samurai warriors. Explore the true history of the bushi, a warrior class that rose to political dominance in the 1100s, and see how, during centuries of peace, samurai evolved into an elite social class including women. Beyond the battlefield, samurai shaped government, arts, poetry, and scholarship, revealing a world where honour, courage, and intellectual pursuits were equally valued. This exhibition uncovers the fascinating truth behind the iconic samurai image.

Image Credit: © The Trustees of the British Museum