Samurai
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Samurai

Room RCH/037 - Ron Cooke HubYork, York
Monday, Feb 16, 2026 at 18:30 GMT
Overview

Everyone recognises the figure of the samurai - a global icon of the fearless, virtuous warrior. But how much of the legend is true?

Everyone recognises the figure of the samurai - a global icon of the fearless, virtuous warrior. But how much of the legend is true?

This February, the British Museum opens Samurai, a landmark exhibition that challenges centuries of misconceptions to reveal the historical reality behind the mask. Join us to hear from Professor Oleg Benesch and curator Dr Rosina Buckland, co-authors of the accompanying publication, as they discuss how the exhibition interrogates the stereotype, moving beyond the battlefield to explore the people behind the armour. Sharing the stories of the stunning selection of objects from international collections - including weaponry, intricate armour, delicate paintings, and immersive contemporary digital media - they will trace the samurai’s dramatic evolution.

Image credit: Minamoto no Tametomo on the Isle of Demons, Katsushika Hokusai © The Trustees of the British Museum

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If you require more than 5 tickets, please contact the Events Team who will be happy to help.

Please ensure you use the correct email address as this is where your ticket will be sent. If you do not provide the correct address, you will not receive the acknowledgement email or ticket.

Everyone recognises the figure of the samurai - a global icon of the fearless, virtuous warrior. But how much of the legend is true?

Everyone recognises the figure of the samurai - a global icon of the fearless, virtuous warrior. But how much of the legend is true?

This February, the British Museum opens Samurai, a landmark exhibition that challenges centuries of misconceptions to reveal the historical reality behind the mask. Join us to hear from Professor Oleg Benesch and curator Dr Rosina Buckland, co-authors of the accompanying publication, as they discuss how the exhibition interrogates the stereotype, moving beyond the battlefield to explore the people behind the armour. Sharing the stories of the stunning selection of objects from international collections - including weaponry, intricate armour, delicate paintings, and immersive contemporary digital media - they will trace the samurai’s dramatic evolution.

Image credit: Minamoto no Tametomo on the Isle of Demons, Katsushika Hokusai © The Trustees of the British Museum

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you require more than 5 tickets, please contact the Events Team who will be happy to help.

Please ensure you use the correct email address as this is where your ticket will be sent. If you do not provide the correct address, you will not receive the acknowledgement email or ticket.

Good to know

Highlights

  • In-person

Location

Room RCH/037 - Ron Cooke Hub

Campus East

University of York York YO10 5GE

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Organised by
University of York Open Lectures
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