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At the heart of
Japanese culture is the Samurai code of Bushido. Its tenets are rigorous and exacting: the
warrior is courageous, loyal, honorable, self-controlled and courteous unto death. Nowhere
is this concept better expressed than in the classic Legend of the 47 Ronin. This
tale of 18th century Japan tells of 47 Samurai who avenge the treachery of Lord Kira that
forced ritual suicide, seppubu, on their noble Lord Asano, brought disgrace to the Asano
clan and left the Samurai without a master. Their dedication to Bushido, that ended with
their honorable death by seppuku, made national heroes of these brave men.
In the three centuries since these
dramatic events took place, the 47 Ronin have been celebrated in drama, theatre, songs and
stories. These are now the subject of a spectacular suite of http://www.asianfineart.com/images by modern Japanese
master Hisashi Otsuka. In this piece the pure essence of the Spriti of Bushido is captured
for all time.
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