In 19th century Japan, Takeko Nakano defied an all-male samurai culture to become skilled in the deadly naginata and lead an army of hundreds of women to glory. From Samurai Warrior Queens: http://bitly.com/SamuraiQueens | Smithsonian Channel

Where metal meets myth ⚔️ The Executioner’s sword in Turandot carries the weight of the opera’s rituals - a quiet force at the centre of its most perilous moments. Step inside the armoury to see how this striking object was brought to life and how our skilled armoury team balances authenticity, craft and the demands of the stage. #Turandot #TheRoyalOpera #Opera #BehindTheScenes #Armoury #RoyalBalletAndOpera | Royal Ballet And Opera