Old Japan in Modern San Francisco

Here’s one exhibition you must see: Lords of the Samurai, at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, opening today and running through Sept. 20.

As the curator writes on the exhibition’s excellent web site: “The samurai culture and code of conduct, bushido, have long captivated the imaginations and aspirations of young and old in the Western world. More than just professional warriors, Japanese samurai of the highest rank were also visionaries who strove to master artistic, cultural, and spiritual pursuits. Lords of the Samurai takes an intimate look at the daimyo, or provincial lords of the warrior class in feudal Japan. The Hosokawa clan, powerful military nobles with a 600-year-old lineage, embodied this duality of fierce warrior and refined gentleman.”

The exhibition features more than 160 works from the Hosokawa family collection housed in the Eisei-Bunko Museum in Tokyo, and from Kumamoto Castle and the Kumamoto Municipal Museum in Kyushu. Objects on view include suits of armor, armaments (including swords and guns), formal attire, calligraphy, paintings, tea wares, lacquerware, masks, and musical instruments.

It’s an absolutely extraordinary exhibit, and the Asian Art Museum is the only U.S. venue for it. So — see you in our beautiful San Francisco soon! It’s the best way I know to visit Japan without flying for half a day. (And while you’re here, visit the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park too!)