The myth of the samurai gained prominence outside Japan in the early 20th century through films, TV shows, art, and literature. This widespread interest contributed to various misconceptions about them. However, a new exhibition at the British Museum, simply titled “Samurai,” is more comprehensive and dramatic than its name suggests. The show, on view through May 4, dismantles the popular, singular image of the samurai as merely warriors, presenting a nuanced view of the class. In an interview with ARTnews, lead curator Rosina Buckland said that the show emphasizes that samurai were a complex social class, functioning not just as skilled fighters but also as talented bureaucrats, administrators, and cultural figures that were connected globally.  Related Articles “This emerging warrior class wrested power from the imperial court. The imperial court survived, but there was this parallel power structure where the samurai men were running the government,” Buckland explained. “They were successful because of being good at jurisprudence. They got their power through warfare, but then kept power through culture and bureaucracy.” An installation view of …