“Samurais: The Warriors’ Imprint”: the traveling exhibition of Japanese prints from the collection of the Musée des Arts Asiatiques of Nice

The Museum of Asian Arts of Nice and the Departmental Media Library join forces to present a traveling exhibition titled “Samurai: The Warrior’s Imprint”.

The exhibition will feature Japanese prints from the collection of the Museum of Asian Arts and will be open to the public from March 2nd to November 30th, 2024, at 7 media libraries and libraries in the area, as well as the Mozart Institute.

Japanese culture is heavily influenced by the ancient figure of the samurai and the legends surrounding them. The image of the samurai, often idealized as a brave warrior armed with a katana, is deeply rooted in the history and representation of ancient and modern Japan.

The exhibition will explore this history, from their origins as rulers of the country to their disappearance as they fought for survival. Ten prints selected from the collection of the Museum of Asian Arts of Nice will be displayed, with quarterly rotations to ensure the best preservation of these precious works.

The prints are made with ink on paper, using an engraved matrix. This technique, imported from China in the 8th century, reached its peak during the Edo period (1603-1868). Artists depict a lifestyle centered on pleasure and entertainment, sometimes celebrating historical figures of warriors in famous battle scenes.

Dates and locations of the exhibitions:

March: Gattières Media Library;

April: Saint-André de-la-Roche Media Library;

May: Clans Media Library; From

June to August: Albert Camus Media Library in Antibes;

September: Valdeblore Media Library;

October: Bonson Media Library;

November: Breil-sur-Roya Media Library.

The Mozart Institute of Nice will host 10 prints from April 22nd to May 31st, 2024.