Friday, 27 August 2010
THE ART OF JAPANESE STYLE
The Japanese have a real flair for display, this never ceases to impress me, on my visits to Japan. Most of the people I meet are of course interested in vintage and antique items and whether they live in a roomy minimal house or a tiny appartment (in Japan called mansions!) there is always a display of interesting items to catch the eye. Some are pared back to basics and they know instinctively where to put that vase, scroll or welcoming flower display, others have their collections on every surface, some serious, some just for fun.
If you have an interest in Japanalia and would like to create displays with an oriential theme, these can still blend very well in western interiors. Feedback from some of our customers shows wonderful innovation giving vintage and antique items a new lease of life. Given the same object the individual is going to display it in different ways, adding their own character to the theme. I would love to hear from customers how they have displayed or used items bought from the website in a western setting.
Probably the most well known item for display is the kimono, it can be a richly embroidered wedding kimono for that wow factor or a humble indigo kimono from the countryside, handspun, dyed and handwoven, for a more subtle effect. For the smaller house or appartment, children's kimono are the perfect answer. The miyamairi kimono, which is similar to our christening robe, used when the baby is taken to a Shinto shrine to be named, is definitely an art piece. It can be richly embroidered, handpainted sumi style or exquisitely dyed and designs include cranes, hawks, carp, samurai and flowers. The obi is also perfect for use in interior design, as a luxurious table or furniture runner and is the obvious choice as a wallhanging in high stairwells because of it's length. Both modern vibrant obi and the more subtle antique ones from the Meiji and Taisho Eras, make wonderful interior design statements each creating their own atmosphere.
There are many other Japanese textiles and garments which can be used to create a decorative display. Kamishimo with their fine komon pattern, worn by samurai in the Edo and Meiji Eras, make wonderful display items and are very popular with customers. Another favorite is the nobori, a Japanese flag for festival events such as Boy's (now Children's) Day. The nobori are handpainted in a colourful folklore tradition, usually with famous samurai and historical events and come in a variety of sizes. In Japan they are usually hung from poles outside the house but would be equally at home as a wallhanging say in a stairwell or over an old fireplace.
Noren are used in Japan as door curtains both in shops and in private houses but in Western interiors they can have a variety of uses such as room dividers (indigo futonji can also be useful for this purpose) wallhangings and as window dressings, some noren are indigo dyed, others use shibori or sumi painting technique for decoration. They can be works of art. With a little lateral thinking many items no longer used for their purpose can get a new lease of life. Japanese outdoor items such as stone lanterns, buddhas, temple lanterns and ornate roof tiles, can make interesting displays on natural stripped wooden furniture. Collections with a theme make quirky displays, for example Japanese footwear, snow boots, geta and childrens decorative zori or collections from a certain area such as Kyushu or Hokkaido. These displays give a homely feel to a room as well as being interesting to a visitor and becoming a talking point.
When walking around the temple markets in Japan, my companions always find it very amusing when I spot a great find at 1000 paces, amongst the piles of stock, and know the precise place I want to display it. I'm hoping after reading this blog, I will have inspired you to create some oriental displays yourself but I warn you it can become highly addictive.
If you have an interest in Japanalia and would like to create displays with an oriential theme, these can still blend very well in western interiors. Feedback from some of our customers shows wonderful innovation giving vintage and antique items a new lease of life. Given the same object the individual is going to display it in different ways, adding their own character to the theme. I would love to hear from customers how they have displayed or used items bought from the website in a western setting.
Probably the most well known item for display is the kimono, it can be a richly embroidered wedding kimono for that wow factor or a humble indigo kimono from the countryside, handspun, dyed and handwoven, for a more subtle effect. For the smaller house or appartment, children's kimono are the perfect answer. The miyamairi kimono, which is similar to our christening robe, used when the baby is taken to a Shinto shrine to be named, is definitely an art piece. It can be richly embroidered, handpainted sumi style or exquisitely dyed and designs include cranes, hawks, carp, samurai and flowers. The obi is also perfect for use in interior design, as a luxurious table or furniture runner and is the obvious choice as a wallhanging in high stairwells because of it's length. Both modern vibrant obi and the more subtle antique ones from the Meiji and Taisho Eras, make wonderful interior design statements each creating their own atmosphere.
There are many other Japanese textiles and garments which can be used to create a decorative display. Kamishimo with their fine komon pattern, worn by samurai in the Edo and Meiji Eras, make wonderful display items and are very popular with customers. Another favorite is the nobori, a Japanese flag for festival events such as Boy's (now Children's) Day. The nobori are handpainted in a colourful folklore tradition, usually with famous samurai and historical events and come in a variety of sizes. In Japan they are usually hung from poles outside the house but would be equally at home as a wallhanging say in a stairwell or over an old fireplace.
Noren are used in Japan as door curtains both in shops and in private houses but in Western interiors they can have a variety of uses such as room dividers (indigo futonji can also be useful for this purpose) wallhangings and as window dressings, some noren are indigo dyed, others use shibori or sumi painting technique for decoration. They can be works of art. With a little lateral thinking many items no longer used for their purpose can get a new lease of life. Japanese outdoor items such as stone lanterns, buddhas, temple lanterns and ornate roof tiles, can make interesting displays on natural stripped wooden furniture. Collections with a theme make quirky displays, for example Japanese footwear, snow boots, geta and childrens decorative zori or collections from a certain area such as Kyushu or Hokkaido. These displays give a homely feel to a room as well as being interesting to a visitor and becoming a talking point.
When walking around the temple markets in Japan, my companions always find it very amusing when I spot a great find at 1000 paces, amongst the piles of stock, and know the precise place I want to display it. I'm hoping after reading this blog, I will have inspired you to create some oriental displays yourself but I warn you it can become highly addictive.
Thursday, 22 July 2010
AINU MUSEUM AND COUNTRYSIDE HOKKAIDO 2010
On the second day of our trip to Hokkaido, we rose early, a full itinerary ahead. Breakfast in the hotel was a concoction of Japanese and English choices, scrambled eggs, cauliflower and eel? (mmm my favorite). Donning even more layers of clothing than the previous evening and looking like Eskimos, we made our way to the train station. The snow had stopped but the skies cloudy with a promise of showers later in the day.
We caught the underground train taking us to the outer sprawling suburbs about 45 minutes away. From here it was another 45 minutes by bus to the Ainu Museum. We discovered the buses were very infrequent, whether because it was the winter season or always the case I don't know. About 15 minutes into the journey we were already into the countryside, snow piled 12 feet high on both sides of the road. The hills of Hokkaido giving a very distinct outline, small mounds, snow covered but with dark striations of silver birch trunks, the top of each hill having a darker outline where the trees grew thickest. You will get the idea from the photographs in the next post. I mentioned to Louise the vista would make a wonderful pen and ink drawing. A few weeks later, at a temple market, looking through a box of Shikishi I found exactly what I had in mind, a great find! (see following photos).
The electronic information sign on the bus was in Kanji and the voice a little fast for us to hear, so as we neared the museum site once again Louise's SatNav took over and we alighted at what we hoped was the right stop. Out in the middle of nowhere, the surroundings were all that we had hoped for, when leaving the bustle of the city behind. The Ainu Museum was about 10 minutes walk sitting next to Hosen Onsen. There was no one in sight and we began to imagine (well I did anyway) that we were explorers of the frozen Northlands! as we walked down the hill towards the museum. We passed a huskie type dog who took exception to us intruding and started barking loudly. Suddenly we heard chanting, similar to Native American Indian singing, echoing in the forests and hills around us, actually it was a little spooky but a good idea from the museum. Obviously when we passed a certain point it triggered the chanting played through speakers high in the trees.
The museum ahead, it was perfect an old Ainu village was set-up around the museum building and I had the impression we had come at the best time of the year, the snow covered huts in the silent landscape, it was beautiful. Suddenly out of the largest hut a group of schoolchildren emerged, chattering and laughing, with pencils and paper at the ready. It was a school trip and apart from them we were the only visitors that day. The children told us they were doing a project at school on Ainu culture and had learnt some words in their language.
A sign said 'photography allowed' great for us! We made our way around the exhibition of Ainu garments and crafts needed to live in harmony with this North island. The museum is actually called 'The Centre for Promotion of Ainu Culture, Pirka Kotan'. The displays were really fascinating and you could tell, like in most ethnic cultures, nothing was wasted ie. salmon was eaten but the outer skins used to make clothing and shoes.
In earlier times the Ainu did not have access to cotton for clothing, so used animal and fish skins, also woven bark, used for the now famous ceremonial costumes (again see the next post for photographs of weaving loom and ceremonial robe). Later the Ainu people traded with the peoples further south for cotton, most clothing was then made of cotton, still with applique designs, footwear made from indigo strengthened with sashiko stitching. Ainu people were traditionally great carvers and the carvings on the weapons and utensils reminded me of Celtic designs. Later around the middle of the 20th century, their culture banned, they survived by carving bears to make a living. These Ainu bears are collectable today and there have been some very famous carvers and fine works. The bear (in Hokkaido large brown bear, known in Japanese as Higuma) was a very important part of Ainu culture, together with the Eagle Owl, these were treated as gods and worshipped. I noticed in the foyer of the museum a Native American Totem pole from the east coast, apparently a gift to the Ainu people, there being many similarities between the two cultures.
The schoolchildren gone, we spent a few hours totally alone, taking many photographs and absorbing as much information as we could. Inside the Ainu dwellings surrounding the museum, we learnt more about Ainu life, in the largest hut, the main focus was a large fireplace used for cooking and warmth, situated directly below a hole in the roof where the smoke could rise. Fish held in nets, over the fire, high in the beams, would be smoked and so last longer in the winter season when hunting may become more difficult (again see in the photo section) As we emerged from the last hut, again as if on cue, it started to snow heavily.
With 45 minutes until our bus was due, we thought about the Onsen next to the museum but with so many layers of clothes and the very cold temperatures we decided against it. I was eager to investigate the surrounding countryside but Louise had had enough! she waited in the tiny bus shelter, taking photos on her mobile and sending to her friends in Osaka, who were green with envy. I walked past a row of small wooden houses, to the woods beyond and into virgin snow, walking becoming a little difficult but my camera at the ready! At the edge of the trees there were rows of plants covered with straw conical shaped cups for protection against the harsh winter conditions, see photo. I'm pretty sure bears of Hokkaido hibernate during the winter months and meeting one didn't cross my mind, but when I returned home I read there are quite a lot of bears in the countryside and tourists have been attacked and occasionally killed. But at that time I walked nonchalantly amongst the trees, covered with falling snow, my feet completely numb. I think it was a Zen moment, a feeling of total peace and contentment sweeping over me.
We caught the underground train taking us to the outer sprawling suburbs about 45 minutes away. From here it was another 45 minutes by bus to the Ainu Museum. We discovered the buses were very infrequent, whether because it was the winter season or always the case I don't know. About 15 minutes into the journey we were already into the countryside, snow piled 12 feet high on both sides of the road. The hills of Hokkaido giving a very distinct outline, small mounds, snow covered but with dark striations of silver birch trunks, the top of each hill having a darker outline where the trees grew thickest. You will get the idea from the photographs in the next post. I mentioned to Louise the vista would make a wonderful pen and ink drawing. A few weeks later, at a temple market, looking through a box of Shikishi I found exactly what I had in mind, a great find! (see following photos).
The electronic information sign on the bus was in Kanji and the voice a little fast for us to hear, so as we neared the museum site once again Louise's SatNav took over and we alighted at what we hoped was the right stop. Out in the middle of nowhere, the surroundings were all that we had hoped for, when leaving the bustle of the city behind. The Ainu Museum was about 10 minutes walk sitting next to Hosen Onsen. There was no one in sight and we began to imagine (well I did anyway) that we were explorers of the frozen Northlands! as we walked down the hill towards the museum. We passed a huskie type dog who took exception to us intruding and started barking loudly. Suddenly we heard chanting, similar to Native American Indian singing, echoing in the forests and hills around us, actually it was a little spooky but a good idea from the museum. Obviously when we passed a certain point it triggered the chanting played through speakers high in the trees.
The museum ahead, it was perfect an old Ainu village was set-up around the museum building and I had the impression we had come at the best time of the year, the snow covered huts in the silent landscape, it was beautiful. Suddenly out of the largest hut a group of schoolchildren emerged, chattering and laughing, with pencils and paper at the ready. It was a school trip and apart from them we were the only visitors that day. The children told us they were doing a project at school on Ainu culture and had learnt some words in their language.
A sign said 'photography allowed' great for us! We made our way around the exhibition of Ainu garments and crafts needed to live in harmony with this North island. The museum is actually called 'The Centre for Promotion of Ainu Culture, Pirka Kotan'. The displays were really fascinating and you could tell, like in most ethnic cultures, nothing was wasted ie. salmon was eaten but the outer skins used to make clothing and shoes.
In earlier times the Ainu did not have access to cotton for clothing, so used animal and fish skins, also woven bark, used for the now famous ceremonial costumes (again see the next post for photographs of weaving loom and ceremonial robe). Later the Ainu people traded with the peoples further south for cotton, most clothing was then made of cotton, still with applique designs, footwear made from indigo strengthened with sashiko stitching. Ainu people were traditionally great carvers and the carvings on the weapons and utensils reminded me of Celtic designs. Later around the middle of the 20th century, their culture banned, they survived by carving bears to make a living. These Ainu bears are collectable today and there have been some very famous carvers and fine works. The bear (in Hokkaido large brown bear, known in Japanese as Higuma) was a very important part of Ainu culture, together with the Eagle Owl, these were treated as gods and worshipped. I noticed in the foyer of the museum a Native American Totem pole from the east coast, apparently a gift to the Ainu people, there being many similarities between the two cultures.
The schoolchildren gone, we spent a few hours totally alone, taking many photographs and absorbing as much information as we could. Inside the Ainu dwellings surrounding the museum, we learnt more about Ainu life, in the largest hut, the main focus was a large fireplace used for cooking and warmth, situated directly below a hole in the roof where the smoke could rise. Fish held in nets, over the fire, high in the beams, would be smoked and so last longer in the winter season when hunting may become more difficult (again see in the photo section) As we emerged from the last hut, again as if on cue, it started to snow heavily.
With 45 minutes until our bus was due, we thought about the Onsen next to the museum but with so many layers of clothes and the very cold temperatures we decided against it. I was eager to investigate the surrounding countryside but Louise had had enough! she waited in the tiny bus shelter, taking photos on her mobile and sending to her friends in Osaka, who were green with envy. I walked past a row of small wooden houses, to the woods beyond and into virgin snow, walking becoming a little difficult but my camera at the ready! At the edge of the trees there were rows of plants covered with straw conical shaped cups for protection against the harsh winter conditions, see photo. I'm pretty sure bears of Hokkaido hibernate during the winter months and meeting one didn't cross my mind, but when I returned home I read there are quite a lot of bears in the countryside and tourists have been attacked and occasionally killed. But at that time I walked nonchalantly amongst the trees, covered with falling snow, my feet completely numb. I think it was a Zen moment, a feeling of total peace and contentment sweeping over me.
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Monday, 19 July 2010
HOKKAIDO TRIP 2010
We thought it was time we entered the blogosphere, so without further ado here is our first post. Comments are most welcome. Although my daughter and I shared a few of our adventures in Hokkaido on the Japanese Tex-style homepage, there is always more to tell and many more photographs which maybe of interest to our readers.
It had always been a dream to visit Hokkaido, so in February this year, we set off from Kansai airport, Osaka. The local weather was cold and damp but after two hours flying we arrived in Hokkaido, a snow covered vista. The journey by train from the airport took us through a snowscape dotted with wooden houses painted in different colours, reminding me of a previous visit to Norway. Indeed the whole landscape had a Scandinavian feel, it's building and rows of birch trees interspersed with large pines.
The station, in Sapporo, was very near to our hotel, but it was a case of so near yet so far and in the end we had to use Louise's SatNav which cleverly gave instructions as we walked. Eventually we arrived at a small, immaculate business hotel.
There was no time to lose, we changed into some warm clothes (Osaka at 7 degrees C, Sapporo -7 degrees C) and stepped into the busy streets. It was early evening, already dark and on cue it began to snow heavily.
Gingerly we started walking to Odori park, where the Yuki Matsuri had already started. I say gingerly, the pavements were frozen solid, we had come prepared wearing thick rubber soled boots but still walking without falling over required great skill.
Amazingly we saw young Japanese girls teetering on 5 inch heeled boots, but remaining on their feet! Finally we arrived at Odori Park into a fairytale setting of snow sculptures and festive lights. Aromas on the breeze coming from food booths on the route, we chose chicken teriyaki on skewers, washed down with hot sake, this bringing life to our frozen bodies.
Later in the evening we climbed the Sapporo tower, for an overhead view of Odori park, which was worth the climb, but extremely crowded, we were pleased to step out amongst the snow sculptures once more. The crowds had thinned and the temperature had dropped, so another drink, this time hot mulled wine revived us with a warm glow!
We saw an amazing sight, a just married Japanese couple posing for photographs temperature now -9 degrees C, the bridegroom wore a Western suit and the bride wore a soft pink dress, her arms and shoulders bare, still managing a big smile for the camera! Now with the temperature dropping and our legs numb from below the knee, it was time to return to the hotel, as we walked making plans for our next trip on the following day, out to the countryside and the Ainu museum.
It had always been a dream to visit Hokkaido, so in February this year, we set off from Kansai airport, Osaka. The local weather was cold and damp but after two hours flying we arrived in Hokkaido, a snow covered vista. The journey by train from the airport took us through a snowscape dotted with wooden houses painted in different colours, reminding me of a previous visit to Norway. Indeed the whole landscape had a Scandinavian feel, it's building and rows of birch trees interspersed with large pines.
The station, in Sapporo, was very near to our hotel, but it was a case of so near yet so far and in the end we had to use Louise's SatNav which cleverly gave instructions as we walked. Eventually we arrived at a small, immaculate business hotel.
There was no time to lose, we changed into some warm clothes (Osaka at 7 degrees C, Sapporo -7 degrees C) and stepped into the busy streets. It was early evening, already dark and on cue it began to snow heavily.
Gingerly we started walking to Odori park, where the Yuki Matsuri had already started. I say gingerly, the pavements were frozen solid, we had come prepared wearing thick rubber soled boots but still walking without falling over required great skill.
Amazingly we saw young Japanese girls teetering on 5 inch heeled boots, but remaining on their feet! Finally we arrived at Odori Park into a fairytale setting of snow sculptures and festive lights. Aromas on the breeze coming from food booths on the route, we chose chicken teriyaki on skewers, washed down with hot sake, this bringing life to our frozen bodies.
Later in the evening we climbed the Sapporo tower, for an overhead view of Odori park, which was worth the climb, but extremely crowded, we were pleased to step out amongst the snow sculptures once more. The crowds had thinned and the temperature had dropped, so another drink, this time hot mulled wine revived us with a warm glow!
We saw an amazing sight, a just married Japanese couple posing for photographs temperature now -9 degrees C, the bridegroom wore a Western suit and the bride wore a soft pink dress, her arms and shoulders bare, still managing a big smile for the camera! Now with the temperature dropping and our legs numb from below the knee, it was time to return to the hotel, as we walked making plans for our next trip on the following day, out to the countryside and the Ainu museum.
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