The samurai, Japan's medieval and early modern military nobility, have for centuries captivated imaginations far beyond the confines of their own time and culture. This beautifully illustrated volume presents a large and diverse selection of samurai treasures from the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History's renowned collection of Japanese artifacts. Among the fascinating objects are recently restored swords, scabbards, and armor, along with an array of prints, dishes, tea ceremony utensils, netsukes, scroll paintings, and other items suggestive of unexpectedly tranquil pursuits. The book introduces the samurai not only as warriors but also as keepers of the longest peace any large society has ever known. Although swords and armor reflect the military foundation of samurai culture, they also reveal the central importance of artistry and craftsmanship. In addition, such other treasured articles as woodblock prints, theater masks, and lacquered food bowls shed new light on the traditions of the samurai during their final era of peace.