Daimyo

By the mid-14th century, the daimyo, or feudal warlords for the shogunate, had evolved from fierce fighters to warrior-aesthetes. This fascinating documentary explores the evolution of the paradoxical ideal known as bunbu-ryodo--"the dual way of the pen and the sword." As full-time fighting waned, the daimyo pursued the "three excellences": calligraphy, poetry, and painting. In the 16th century, new additions such as the venerable tea ceremony and the renowned Noh theater, increased the aesthetic side of the dual way. Written, directed, and narrated by John Nathan, the program uses a combination of artwork and live footage of modern masters of calligraphy, Noh theater, and the tea ceremony to illustrate the strange history of the daimyo culture. Ironically, these skilled warriors contributed some of the most notable and long lasting elements of Japanese culture. An excellent program, likely to be of interest to a wide variety of patrons. Highly recommended. (See ART OF THE DOGON for availability.)