diplomatic gifts

Military History
142

Rare samurai sword uncovered amid wartime artefacts in Berlin

A rare Japanese sword dating from the 17th century – thought to have been a diplomatic gift – has been uncovered during excavations in Berlin. The wakizashi, a short sword carried by samurai in feudal Japan, was found in the…

World Archaeology
113

Japan: Courts and Culture

A new exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, tells the story of 350 years of interaction between the British and Japanese royal and imperial families. Amy Brunskill visited to find out more.

RIGHt A suit of samurai armour, one of four belonging to the Royal Collection. It was presented as a gift to the British monarch in the early 17th century to help facilitate trade.

Military History
128

Rare suits of Japanese samurai armour go on display together for the first time

The collection forms part of a new exhibition, Japan: courts and culture, which is being shown at the Queen’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace.