Exhibition: Way of The Warrior - Exploring The Origins of Martial Arts Through Japanese Woodblock Prints

Date: 20 November 2010 – 20 February 2011 (open 7 days a week, 10am – 6pm)
Venue: Japanese Gallery, Islington Branch, 23 Camden Passage, Islington London N1 8EA
Tel: 020 7226 3347
E-mail: info@japanesegallery.co.uk
Web: http://www.japanesegallery.co.uk/
Organiser: Japanese Gallery

The forthcoming exhibition at the Japanese Gallery will present the world of Japanese warriors and explore the origins of martial arts in Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. A selection of prints from our collection will aim to provide a view on the rich military tradition of Japan and track the transformation of martial arts from purely combative systems to the philosophical.

The display features a number of prints by famous Japanese woodblock print artists from Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) to Chikanobu (1838-1912) as well as Hokusai Manga martial art prints by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) famous for his world renowned Great Wave. The prints in focus illustrate the lives of the famous historical and legendary samurai and highlight multiple aspects of the warriors' lives.

The exhibition hopes to represent a cross-section of the samurai class in its historical and cultural background whilst providing the viewer with an insight into the origins of matial arts.
The exhibition will be of interest for anyone practicing martial arts as well as people with an interest in Japanese art and history.

Also on display will be katana swords and an original Japanese samurai armour. The gallery also stocks one of the largest selection of Japanese prints in the world ranging from £10 to top museum pieces, antique through to contemporary pieces.

Exhibition related events: opening talk