On March 26,
2014 we went on a field trip to the Kimbell
Art Museum and visited The Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel
Barbier-Mueller Collection. This was a unique experience for me because this is
the first time I can enhance the learning of the Japanese culture in a way I
have never done before. The
students enjoyed it because we were able to travel back in time and discover
the life of the Japanese samurai warriors through the exhibit. The great thing
is that there is over 140 remarkable objects in the collection and different
time period. One student loved how all
the armor had different designs and they were walking art pieces. The collection
features armor used by samurai from the military elite led by the shoguns, or
warlords, of Japan from the 12th through 19th centuries.
Once the
students visited the exhibition they were able to see the distinctive
appearance and equipment of the samurai through the centuries and examine the warrior’s
history through works of consummate craftsmanship and exquisite design. One
highlight is the exhibition includes beautifully designed accoutrements used
for both battle and ceremonies. Japanese armor is striking, refined, and highly
functional and has evolved through the centuries. Students found it intriguing that
the suits were made to fight in war, but also to honor the warriors of the past
and later it became a way to show off. I
even learned something from this exhibit about what the armor consist of. Samurai
armor consists of a helmet, mask, and chest armor paired with shoulder guards,
sleeves, a skirt, thigh protection, and shin guards.
After we
finished the first exhibit we looked at several arts painting and from the era
as well. I think what made the exhibit
even cooler was the Acoustiguide Audio tour that came with it. It was cool to
hear the owners talk about some of the pieces and the museum adding more to
some pieces as well. They even made it Kid friendly by having part of it with a
brother and sister, from Japan, who are visiting the tour as well with a ancient
ghost Samurai. Over all the exhibit was worth it because as we finish it added
another layer to the knowledge to the students view of Samurais.
In regards Mr. Vega
No comments:
Post a Comment