Sunday, September 11, 2011

Atelier Dousen(道宣)ー Yuzen kimono Atelier (Kyoto)


  He is Mr.Murata Dousen.
He is Yuzen kimono creator(artisan) in Kyoto. He is 70 years old.
50 years have passed since he engaged in creating kimono.
He dyes kimono from starts to finish by himself,and he seldom assigns his task to other people,
because he is very particular about his works.
But he is kind enough to show me his atelier and his works.
There are so many brushes and tools he uses every days...
These are tools he uses habitually.
Most of these brushes are made by wool.
He starts his work from making a sketch outside.
For example,he goes to the mountains or rivers,
for making a sketch.
These sketches are important for his creation,
because these sketches are the basis of his kimono patterns.
Then he makes a drawing of kimono,reffering to his sketches.
This is his conception of finished kimono.
And he draws outline of flowers on a cloth.
Special water colors are used for this outline.
 
This is a roll of cloth for kimono(finished).
This is also his work.
Camellia and Japanese apricot designs are beautiful.

These kimonos are also his works.
It takes about 1 year to create a kimono.
Sometimes he stays up all night to finish his kimono.
His kimonos are full of originality.
His simple rough sketches turn into these beautiful kimono...
These works are the fruit of his great labor.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Shouren-in(青蓮院) Japanese-style gardenーKyoto

This Japanese-style garden was created about 600 years ago,by Soami(相阿弥),
an ancient landscape gardener.

In ancient times,good families people,for example, Imperial family people,
or the nobility people,became priests of specific temples like this,
and controled these temples by their political and financial power.

This temple is also used for temporary residence for the noble people.
That is why this building is so refined and elegant.



Many framed pictures of ancient poets are decorated on the upper part of the wall.



And you can enjoy taking a walk in the garden.


A red carp is swimming in the pond.



If you need relaxing space in Kyoto,I think this is the most suitable place to feel comfortable.
You can enjoy well-kept garden and fresh green,you can enjoy relaxing and peaceful time.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Kingyoーsummer sweets

This dessert is called "Kingyo".(金魚)
This conjure up the goldfish bowl,
we can see two goldfishes swimming in the bowl.
Transparent coating produces cool atmosphere.
This is "Hanabi".(花火)
This reminds us of colourful fireworks in the night sky.
This is also summer dessert.
This is "Kibunegawa".(貴船川)
This depicts the Kibune-river in Kyoto with swimming fishes.
The tranceperency suggests cool and refreshing water.

We can get these desserts at this shop,"Matsuya".
This shop was founded more than 100 years ago.
This is located near "Kyoto-Shiyakusho"(Kyoto city municipal hall).

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Soma Nomaoi Festival(相馬野馬追) Fukushima

He is Mr.Kanno.He is a resident in Fukushima.
Unfortunately,the big Tsunami in March 11 washed away his house totally.....
and he lost his wife,mother,son and daughter.
Now he is going to join traditional festival in Fukushima.
"Soma-Nomaoi" is a festival that recreates a battle scene from more than 1000 years ago.
He disguises himself as Samurai,an armored warrior today.
At first,he was so depressed that he hesitated to join the festival this year,
just after the big disaster.
But finally,he decided to join the festival,
because he loves this festival,every year he has joined this event, 
and this festival has a meaning of mourning for his lost family this year.

not a trace remains of his house....
They're blowing on a conch shell. 
Before the Tsunami,there used to be 800 mounted soldiers in this festival.
But this year,there are only 50 soldiers...
In spite of the big disaster,they carried out the festival as usual,
because this festival has a tradition of 1000 years,so they're very proud of it.
And they wanted to cheer them up,cheer up their city,which is devastated by disaster.
They have strong spirit to overcome many difficulties.And we have to keep supporting and watching them.






Saturday, August 6, 2011

Sado(茶道)ーEnjoying tea ceremony

In Japan,the custom of drinking tea was originally brought from China in the 9th century.
At first,it was a kind of status symbol among the upper-class people,
but by the 16th century, tea drinking had spread to all levels of society in Japan.
Now it is widespread throughout the world,everyone can enjoy tea ceremony without borders.
"Entertaining a guest hospitably" is the spirit of Japanese tea ceremony.
Every maiko learns graceful behaviour of making tea to entertain their guests.
It is kind of required skill for every maiko.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Glee

I love "Glee".
This is one of the most interesting video I've ever seen.
She is coach Sylvester,
Her Spartan education is overdoing,
but she is so funny lol

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Maiko Beer Garden (上七軒ビアガーデン) Kamishichiken,Kyoto

This is a beer garden in Kamishichiken(上七軒),Kyoto.
It is an excellent place not many people know about it.
This beer garden is famous for Maiko,who entertains the guests.
 
Duration 
July 1 - September 5  (except August 14,15,16)
pm 17:30 - 22:00
 Reservation is needed
We ebjoy beers and foods,
Edamame(green soybeans),Hiyayakko(Tofu).

These are pickled vegetables.
We have them while drinking.
We can see maiko over there...
In this beer garden,maiko girls come to our table to treat us,
and we can have a pleasant chat with them.

Enjoy cold beers!