Art of the Samurai

先日メトロポリタン美術館で開かれているアート　オブ　ザ　サムライというショウをみにいった。普段、刀や防具などに興味のない私ですが、日本でもなかなかみれないものが展示されているということで、セントラルパークに行ったついでにたちよってみました。閉館までに２時間だったので十分かと思っていたら足りずに、後日また足をはこびました。刀の量はすごい。私でも名前の聞いた事のある名剣がづらり、何百年も前につくられたとは思えない、シンプルで斬新なデザイン、驚きました。特に驚いたのは兜、蝶やトンボのデザインのあしらわれたものから、本当にかぶって戦えるの？と思えるほど不自然だが威嚇性のあるデザイン。みごとなショウでした。

When I went to the Central Park, I stopped by the Metropolitan Museum to see the temporary show, Art of the Samurai. I had 2 hours before closing the museum, but it wasn't enough at all. I had to go back to see it again. It was a very rich and interesting show. I am not generally into Swords and Arms, but it was a very special show. There are so many famous swords even me can recognize. I mostly enjoyed the designs of the swords. They were so soficicated design, I can't believe it was made a long time ago. I also thought so many people were killed by this swords.. it was very scary to look at. I especially enjoyed the design of the helmets. They were not only made to protect themselves, but also made for Samurai to dress up the day of deadly fights. Some of the helmets looked outrageous. Huge dragonfly is on the helmets, or simple abstract shaped ornaments on them. I doubt if it was easy to fight wearing it. They are not made for disguising themselves, more make them stand out in the fight and suppress the enemies