It resembles the Portuguese water dog breed popularized by the Obama family pet, Bo, and looks like any number of designer "doodle" dogs a mix of a poodle and something else.
Its presentation (by museum designer Keith Crippen and his team) successfully captures the mix of craftsmanship, functionality and drama inherent in samurai armor and weaponry, at times drawing our attention to a striking helmet in the shape of a rising wave or a horse mask with horns and flaring nostrils, at other times wowing us with full sets of armor.
Maria Gabriela Brito is an accomplished interior designer, tastemaker and authority on why, where, when and how to display and mix contemporary art and interior design in any environment.