Yesterday was the first member view of the Samurai Exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, Arizona.  This luscious array of Samurai Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection was a feast for my eyes and art soul. The stunning workmanship of the craftsman who actually created the armor centuries ago is incredible. Thinking of how many hands and hours worked on the pieces was mind boggling. The collection has been exquisitely maintained for all these years. The two hour drive to the museum was well worth it.

The collection was built over the last 25 years. Read the story of the collection and see the pieces in a book available at the Phoenix Art Museum Store—"Art and Armor—Samurai Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection". 

Enjoy a few images from the exhibition.

Samurai Armor Detail

A few textile pieces which are also in wonderful cared for condition.

Pattern, texture, metal, fiber, iron, masks, helmets, textiles, weaponry, horse accoutrements and more are inspirational to me. This was such a great place to enjoy my yesterday.