Moscow hosts rare Samurai swords

The ‘Samurais: Treasure of Martial Nobility of Japan’ exhibition will remain open in the Kremlin until July 16.

The first part of the exhibition is housed in the Belfry Tower of the Kremlin and is dedicated to armour and weaponry. The second part held in the Odnostolpnaya Chamber. It features works of decorative and applied arts.

“Unlike European armour which mostly consists of big flat metal shields, Japanese is made with lots of materials and the technology of making it is very complicated. It is lighter and more functional. It is also not just a mater of defense but also a sign of hierarchy and aesthetics,” Kazutoshi Harada said.

Japanese believe that the sword is the samurai's soul. It is also a symbol of the country's culture and one of the most popular items among collectors of world antiques.

The biggest part of the exhibition is dedicated to the Edo period of Japanese history (1603-1868).
 
It is known as the beginning of the early modern period of the country and also a peaceful time, during which samurai was considered to be the most respectable member of society.

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