The samurai belonged to the intellectual elite of Japanese society and practiced creative disciplines like calligraphy and poetry that often contrasted with the violent nature of battle. The warrior ...

An enormous photo mural provides the backdrop for three equestrian Samurai warriors at the Portland Art Museum. The exhibit runs through Jan. 12. (David Stabler/The Oregonian) How big is that photo?

We don’t pay enough attention to armor. This is probably because it’s the part of the museum you visit to placate your bored nephew, because look at all those cool swords! But if fashion has revealed ...