The word 'samurai' has its origins in an old verb meaning 'to serve.' The first samurai were soldiers who served in private armies hired to defend provincial landowners from the late 8th century onwards. 'Ridged Helmet with Large Rivets,' Japan, mid-Edo period, c.1730 iron, gold, silver, bronze, shakudo and leather Photograph by Brad Flowers Copyright The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, DallasĪsian Accents: This article is part of an ongoing series that explores the diverse range of artistic influences from Asia in the arts and culture of Southern California.
