Japan, circa 1864
by Felice Beato

The word Samurai, which dates back to 12th century Japan, was derived from an archaic Japanese phrase meaning «to serve», which re-enforced the samurai’s highest calling as serving his feudal lord. This image, taken by the Italian photographer Felice Beato, shows a Samurai holding his yumi (an asymmetrical bow often used on horseback), which could only be employed by the most adept and high-ranking Samurai.