The striking duality of deadly weaponry forged with artistic beauty is on full display in this exhibition. With approximately 63 works by more than 30 master craftsmen from the 13th to 20th centuries, Lethal Beauty features full suits of armor, helmets, warrior hats, face masks, long and short swords, daggers, rifles, and more. Tales of the samurai have enchanted people since the 12th century, and continue to delight and captivate audiences today. The oldest sword in the exhibition dates from the 13th century but is so finely crafted it could appear new. The exhibition also showcases a pair of 17th century folding screens by a Kano school artist, and a seven-piece set of 17th century sword fittings, both depicting battle scenes from the famous Tale of the Heike. The Tale of the Heike is one of the greatest warrior epics in Japanese literature and marks the dawn of samurai honor, valor, and fortitude. The exhibition is accompanied by a color-illustrated catalogue and curated by Dr. Andreas Marks, the director and chief curator of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture.