Local families know the VMFA’s reputation for presenting stunning works of art and hosting thought-provoking educational opportunities in the Central Virginia region. Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller continues this stellar tradition.
From a family of art collectors, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller began his interest in samurai armor as a teenager. As an adult, he has collected many selections of samurai regalia and cultural pieces with his wife Ann Barbier-Mueller. VMFA Curator of East Asian Art Li Jian notes that the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Texas includes one of the most important and extensive collections of its kind outside Japan, and VMFA is delighted to share these amazing works of masterful creativity and technique with Virginians.
Samurai History On Display through August 4 at VMFA
Visitors will be awed by the incredible detail present in every part of a suit of samurai armor. More than seventeen full suits and 140 pieces fill the lower gallery of the museum. The exhibition explores the evolution of the samurai class over 700 years of Japanese history.
Samurai culture has long been the focus of international fascination. Known for loyalty, a high code of honor, and disciplined conduct, the samurai captured a place of pride in Japanese history. The strength of the land-owning Japanese military elites grew as the more centralized court system weakened. By the late twelfth century, a politically powerful shogunate dominated the government while the emperor was an important symbol of sovereignty albeit with little governing power. Provincial landowners turned to smaller private forces for protection of their hereditary property, and thus the role of the samurai was solidified. This feudal system existed until the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1868 when the emperor regained power.
Families Will Appreciate Samurai Armor at VMFA at VMFA
When you visit VMFA, you will spend longer than you expect in the galleries, so plan accordingly. Guests will easily lose track of time while absorbed in the fascinating aspects of symbolism and design incorporated in these suits and weapons. There is a good amount of reading for each work, but the exhibit is spaced very openly so it doesn’t feel too crowded even during busy hours. Each suit required the work of several different types of artisans and took months to create. The family crest identified which clan the wearer represented. Visitors will learn about various cultural influences reflected in the styles such as folklore, nature (flowers especially), values, and Buddhism. Not only do these special inclusions provide beauty and significance, but they are functional, too.
The exhibition is divided into four sections:
- Samurai Armor
- Evolution of Helmets
- Weapons and Command Equipment
- Samurai and Horses on the Battlefield
My fourth grade daughter’s favorite part of the exhibit was looking for significant symbols in each of the pieces. Crabs signified protection and resilience; plum branches for strength and perseverance; peonies fo symbols of wealth, fortune, and bravery. She observed each presentation looking for even the smallest detail. She was also wowed by the masks for the horses.
My son was interested in the child’s armor and was surprised to learn how young samurai training began. He compared Western armor to samurai styles and noticed the changes in style as years progressed. For example, a U-shape on helmets not only resembled a kuwagata, or stag beetle – which represented luck and prosperity – but also identified the samurai fighters in the midst of gunpowder on chaotic battlefields.
Many of the helmets include detailed ornaments and depictions including deities, oni (demons), or animals. These helmets and some of the masks may prove to be intimidating visuals for the very young visitor. A few examples are shown on the VMFA’s website. High school-aged scholars of World History will find an enormous amount of information here connecting their studies of world religions, world geography, and systems of governing. Adults can view the FX series Shōgun on Hulu to continue learning. The 2024 series returns to adapt the James Clavell fictional novel of the same name to the screen rather than simply remake the series from the 1980s.
The final room includes a more immersive display of standing samurai soldiers in full suits and mounted samurai on horseback. In the room, a soundtrack of a thunderstorm plays with timed softly flashing lights to match. While neither the sound or visual is very loud, parents of children who need notice for such a change in environment may want to prep them in advance.
Audio Tour, Visiting Samurai Armor with Younger Kids, and More
I highly recommend using the VMFA audio tour to enhance your experience throughout the exhibit. Eleven significant works are highlighted with the audio designation as the narrator guides the listener to notice important details about each work. Understanding why the artisans added certain symbols or used a particular medium provides a fuller picture of samurai life. The audio dynamic added a storytelling element which made the visit much more personal. More information is provided about the role of women in samurai families in the audio tour as well.
I brought my own headphones and used my cell phone to play the tour using the VMFA’s guest WiFi. Audio wands are available to rent for $5 at the entrance to the exhibit downstairs.
Strollers are permitted and are also provided at coat check at the museum entrance. Any bags must be worn on the front of the body. Baby-wearing is permitted, but again only on the front, not in any sort of backpack style.
Don’t miss the chance to see Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller this summer. The whole family will be impressed by this remarkable exhibition offering a unique look into the Japanese samurai. It’s also the perfect destination for visiting family and friends. Be on the lookout for special events with Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller. View the list at VMFA.museum.
Free for VMFA members, ages six and under, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their immediate families. General admission to VMFA is always free.
Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller will remain at the VMFA through August 4, 2024. For tickets, visit VMFA.museum.
