Samurai in London

Samurai British Museum
@Ronrybs (21371)
London, England
May 8, 2026 6:31am CST
Nearly missed this one. I had planning to visit the Samurai exhibition, at the British Museum, last week, but the day I choose the rail service was disrupted by a suspected gas leak in the City. After spending about 30 minutes stalled, I was lucky enough to catch a train back towards home. Even then, I had to catch a bus for the last leg as I did not want to go to the airport. Monday was the last day of the exhibition and a Bank Holiday, as well. The trains were fairly packed and the museum was no less busy. An enjoyable tour of the Samurai with several sets of armour and weapons, as well as a ‘business’ kimono for no armour days. I did wonder why Japanese armour is displayed sitting, while European armour is standing. After that it was off to the members’ tea room. Absolutely heaving, but I was lucky enough to get a table to have my tea and sticky bun in comfort. Once refreshed, off to Piccadilly and a Banksy. Photo by author
2 people like this
2 responses
DE
@DaddyEvil (173628)
• United States
1h
I would have enjoyed going to the display with you. I'm glad you took some photos to share with us. Thank you. Japanese armor is made to be flexible and several layers thick when worn so it is best displayed that way. When taken from place to place, if not being worn, it is stored in a chest specially made for it so it has to fold. European armor is displayed standing because it's rigid and heavy and made to be displayed hung on a stand or mounted on a mannequin showing it's evolution into plate armor.
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (379437)
• Rockingham, Australia
28m
Glad you got to see the samurai even if it was a bit busy all round. Members' tea room - are you a member of the Museum? I'm sure that's a good thing to be a member of.