Pictured: Gala co-chairs Letitia & Michael Kim with Kendo performers: Court Tanouye, president of Northern California Kendo Federation; David Nakanishi, SF Kendo Dojo; and George Nishiura, Palo Alto Kendo Dojo.   

Kendo, meaning “way of the sword,” is a modern Japanese martial art of sword fighting based on transitional Japanese swordsmanship. The foundation of modern Kendo began in the earliest Samurai government with the introduction of bamboo practice swords. For more information on kendo, please contact the Northern California Kendo Federation at www.nckf.org

The samurai culture and code of contact have long captivated the imaginations and aspirations of young and old in the Western world. More than just fierce warriors, Japanese samurai of the highest rank were also visionaries who strove to master artistic, cultural, and spiritual pursuits. This intriguing exhibition will showcase over 600 years of the Samurai military experience via the Hosokawa family collection. With over 160 works, the show will take an intimate look at the world of the warrior through suits of armor, swords and guns, masks, formal attire, calligraphy, paintings, and more. Most of the objects have never been exhibited outside of Japan, and the Asian Art Museum is the exclusive United States venue for this rare exhibition.   

The museum celebrates Lords of the Samurai with an incredible Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. The evening includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner, unique entertainment, including a kendo demonstration, and gallery viewing of this very special show. Gala tickets are available starting at $400. For more information, please contact Susan Engel, director of special events, at 415-581-3788 or sengel@asianart.org.

Location: The Asian Art Museum

Photographer: Claudia Goetzelmann

Makup by: Miles Berdache of Artists’ Services

Hair by: Nikas Nikas

Gown(s) by: Saks Fifth Avenue

Jewlery by: Boucheron