tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24487808353595769122024-03-13T04:58:02.575-07:00interestingfactsthemurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-70053577336077500142009-02-16T04:54:00.000-08:002009-02-16T06:08:17.400-08:00The tool kit used for Japanese calligraphy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SZljMDjHJ3I/AAAAAAAAAHA/PTlbYIlOYTI/s1600-h/kit.japan.calig..jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SZljMDjHJ3I/AAAAAAAAAHA/PTlbYIlOYTI/s400/kit.japan.calig..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303379094967625586" border="0" /></a>Using the most adequate tool kit is essential for writing correct<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> japanese calligraphic</span> works. The primary tools are <span style="font-weight: bold;">paper</span>, special <span style="font-weight: bold;">brushes</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">ink</span> and the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> ink-pot</span>; these four are also known under the expression "<span style="font-style: italic;">The four treasures of the Study</span>". Here are a few basic tools and their description:<br /><br /> *<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Shitajiki</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">- <span style="font-size:100%;">is a material which comes under the sheets of paper</span></span> used for writing the calligraphy.<br /><br /> * <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bunchin</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">文鎮 - </span>a metalic object much like a stick that comes over the shitajiki and the paper, to assure stability when writing.<br /> <br /> * <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washi </span>- it is the name for the thin sheet of calligraphic paper .<br /><br /> * <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fude </span>- the japanese name for the writing brush. There are two main tipes of brushes: <span style="font-style: italic;">futofude</span>( the large brush) and <span style="font-style: italic;">hosofude</span>( the thin brush). The first one is used for writing the text, while the thin ones are used for writing the author's name, at the footer. For manufacturing a brush are used various kinds of animal hair, the shape of the final characters varying according to the type used. The hair comes from animals like wolves, squirrels, weasels or goat. The handle is commonly made out of bamboo. It is seldomly manufactured from glass, ivory, silver, gold or red ruby wood.<br /><br /> *<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Suzuri</span> - is the name for the ink-pot.<br /><br /> * <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sumi </span>- solid pieces of ink that are melted in water and converted in liquid ink after a long process of rubbing. There are, of course, bottles of liquid ink, but they are used only for practice purposes. Traditional Sumi is made from charcoal or smut, this being the reason why in ancient japanese calligraphy it was written only with black characters; more recently there are calligraphs known to be using other colours. For instance, the master corrects the works of his pupils with orange ink.<br /><br /> * <span style="font-weight: bold;">Suiteki</span> - is a custom made bowl, filled with water and used to rinse the brushes from time to time. They come in various shapes and sizes and are usually made out of ceramics.<br /><br /> * <span style="font-weight: bold;">Suzuribako</span> - is a custom made box lodging the entire tool kit used for calligraphy.<br /><br /> If you want to find out more about various kits click <a href="http://www.orientalartsupply.com/?afid=205">here</a>.themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-60739607084680777872009-02-16T03:25:00.000-08:002009-02-16T04:52:31.343-08:00The Art of the Japanese Calligraphy- a short introduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SZlObQIq0tI/AAAAAAAAAGw/5fxCWvbp5DQ/s1600-h/caligrafie.japoneza1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 262px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SZlObQIq0tI/AAAAAAAAAGw/5fxCWvbp5DQ/s400/caligrafie.japoneza1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303356266300232402" border="0" /></a> The <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">japanese calligraphy</span> is a combination of a person's skill and imagination and requires compelling knowledge of various mixes of lines and strokes. It is, by definition, a very personal occupation, the styles varying from one calligraph to another.<br /><br />Known by the japanese term of<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> shodou</span> it is perceived as a form of traditional art, mainly due to the fact that every character has a meaning of its own. Maybe for an untrained eye they are all the same, but a profesional japanese calligraph can easily distinguish between a good and a mediocre work. It is all about knowledge and inner flair.<br />There are no standard rules for shodou, but we can outline a few guidelines for judging it: the balance between each written character and the composition as a whole; strait lines have to be strong and well defined; the curved ones should be delicate and sharpe; another criterion is the quantity of ink used; most importantly, a proper shodou work should have an inner rithm and vitality.<br /><br />The art of calligraphy originated in <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">India</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">China</span>; it was introduced in <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Japan</span> in VI-VIII centuries( when it already was an established tradition in China), alongside the chinese writing system, known as<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Kanji</span>. The priests and monks were among the first to practice this ancient art, the most famous of them being the buddhist monk<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Kukai</span>. The japanese calligraphy meet a real boom in the X-XI centuries, when three practicians of this noble art-<span style="font-style: italic;"> Ono no Tofu</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Fujiwara </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Yukinari</span>- developed the first japanese writing technique, namely<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> mayou</span>. This process continued throught the centuries and reached its finest expression after the first World War, embodied in the<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> zen-ei sho</span> style. The japanese calligraphy exerted a tremendous influence on the Western art, if we only consider two great masters: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Matisse</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Picasso</span>.themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-34263246920592723732009-02-05T11:04:00.000-08:002009-02-14T14:58:38.949-08:00The Japanese Kimono<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SYs5akNjthI/AAAAAAAAAGY/ooFJoLfqElA/s1600-h/kimono.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 315px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SYs5akNjthI/AAAAAAAAAGY/ooFJoLfqElA/s400/kimono.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299392515091445266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Kimono</span> is a japanese word that describes the traditional nipon costume,worn both by men and women. The term is of rather recent origins, dating back in the 19th century, when it was introduced to clearly mark the limits between Western clothing,<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> yokufu</span>, and<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> wafuku</span>, the japanese traditional costumes. Kimono comes from<span style="font-style: italic;"> kiru</span>(to wear) and <span style="font-style: italic;">mono</span>(thing) and therefore literary means "<span style="font-style: italic;">thing to wear</span>". The japanese kimono is said to had been influenced by the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Chinese </span>traditional costumes used during the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Han</span> period( apx. II century A.D.).<br /><br />The kimono comes, invariable, in a fixed, universal size, its lenght being adjusted by a binding silk cord, its margins folding over it. The kimono's colours had to be chosen carefully, as they indicated the owner's rank in society. The kimono cult blossomed during the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Edo</span> age. The trend was set by<a href="http://interestingfacts-themur.blogspot.com/2009/01/kabuki-unique-japanese-theatre.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> kabuki</span></a>actors and high class dames.<br /><br />The kimono tradition spread all across <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Japan</span>, this costume being mass-worn by all social strata of the japanese society. That until the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Meiji </span>period, when Western clothing became a compulsory requirement for all those helding public functions; even in this conditions, many women kept wearing the traditional kimono long after the II World War.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Nowdays</span>, the kimono costume is being worn only at special occasions, like weddings, New Year's Eve or during the<a href="http://interestingfacts-themur.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-behave-at-japanese-tea-ceremony.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> tea ceremony</span></a>. The kimono cloth, as well as its colours and decorations carry information in relation with the owner's age and social status. Also the adroid mix of accessories and the colour palette can tell a lot about his/her personality. The entire outfit has to be carefully calculated in respect with the season in which it is worn. In such way, dull colours are used in the spring time, while bleak hues are appropriate during the summer. For autumn, the kimono colours are more nature-like, while in winter the most common are the strong hues, like red or black.<br />A traditional Kimono can be very expensive, starting from <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">10.000 $</span> up. This hasn't to be such a huge surprise, if we consider that it is hand weaved and hand painted using ancient japanese techniques.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> <br /></span>themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-37012655513580357772009-01-31T05:57:00.000-08:002009-01-31T08:17:24.302-08:00The way of the Japanese Samurai-Bushido<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SYRazOsuTrI/AAAAAAAAAGI/slznJanY0WE/s1600-h/samurai.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 340px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SYRazOsuTrI/AAAAAAAAAGI/slznJanY0WE/s400/samurai.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297458897860054706" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Samurai is a japanese word used for describing the ancient military aristocracy. It is derived from saburau, the japanese translation for the verb to serve. Through out the centuries this medieval warrior became the ultimate everlasting symbol of the japanese quest for perfection. </span><br /><br />The Samurai were masters of rural domains and direct shogun's vassals. They had under their command warriors with strange habits, at least for a Westerner;<br />before each fight they used to perfume themselves, worn heavy make-up and blackened their teeth. All these strange customs were deserted in 1870.<br />The standards, known as the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Samurai warrior code</span> or, simply,<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Bushido </span>weren't always followed; they foccused on the ideea of honour, of keeping up a promise, of protecting at any costs the suveran and contempt in front of death. This code of honour and absolute loyalty towards their shogun puts the samurai-s on the same level with the medieval european knights, with the only difference that in Bushido there isn't any reference towards religious conduct. During battles, the samurai was horse riding, carring heavy and somptuose harness. His armour was made out of iron plates; the iron helmet was heavy decorated, they wore footwear out of bear coat, a huge arch, a quiver, a dagger and two swords. The samurai kit wasn't complete without his flag and a fan used to make his gestures and military orders seem even more martial than they were. As a must, a samurai had to know to play at least one musical instrument.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Miyamoto Musashi</span>, a samurai from the 17th century alleged that an oath signifies loyalty at any costs. The Bushido code enforced respect, honour and total contempt towards death. To avoid the shame of being taken prisoner and, much later, to prove his loyalty infront of the shogun or to protest against an unfair conduct of a superior, in the 13th century first appeared the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Harakiri</span>( which literary means "to cut through the stomach") or <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Seppuku,</span> derived from a chinese word. When the samurais lost a battle, the mass suicides were extremely common, clan leaders compelling hundreds of men towards this desperate gesture. It is important to keep in mind that samurais weren't affraid of dying as they perceived death as a normal and beneficial process of reuniting the deceased's spirit with Mother Nature. The samurai caste came to its decay at the end of the 19th century, once Japan embraced the road to modernisation. Once the feudal system is abolished the samurais have lost their very reason of being. A large number of them improve their economic status by becoming merchants in Nagasaki, Osaka and Edo. Others followed an intelectual reconversion, some of which became well known in literature and arts.<br /><br /><p style="background: rgb(248, 252, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; text-align: left; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></p>themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-20525453830780454952009-01-21T10:39:00.000-08:002009-01-24T06:25:19.108-08:00Geishas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SXdxvytV57I/AAAAAAAAAFM/5_uSGSJHI0w/s1600-h/Geisha.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SXdxvytV57I/AAAAAAAAAFM/5_uSGSJHI0w/s400/Geisha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293824952877049778" border="0" /></a>One of the symbols of Japanese culture, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Gheisas</span> are the first point of interest for every foreigner that enters this fascinating asian country.<br />A Geisha is, in a few words, a woman who's only job is to entertain guests. In order to become one, they have to meet multiple qualities: beauty, grace, artistic skills, charm, refinement and perfect etiquette.<br /> Those women who are wishing to became a geisha have to take intense training in various japanese traditional domains, aslike ancient dancing, singing and playing different musical instruments; they also have to master the traditional flower arrangement tehnique, Ikebana, the tea ceremony, japanese calligraphy, conversation, manners and much more. Nowdays, Geishas are very well adapted to the modern way of living and many of them are studying English and even how to use personal computers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The process of becaming a Geisha is quite difficult and it is a long term endeavour.</span><br />The conductress of a tea house discusses with the girl wanting to became a geisha and also with her parents. If the candidate is accepted after these preliminary talks, she will start living together with her matron immediately begin special training. Once the girl enters into the tea house she will not be able to leave this place in the next 4 or 5 years. By tradition, girls begin training at an early age. During childhood they are working as servants and carry on various household tasks. This stage is called <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">shikomi</span>. Once the wannabe geisha becomes expert in all required arts of this profession, she has to sustain a very difficult dancing exam. If she is successful she moves to the second stage of the long term training, that being <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">minarai</span>. During this period they continue focussing on studying arts, without carring on with household duties. After a few years, when it's considered they mastered all the required knowledge, they enter for a month in the tea house where they practice the arts of conversation and playing, which are impossible to learn just in theory. After this period of intense learning she will became a young geisha, or<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Maiko</span> in japanese. This usually hapens when the girls are around 19 or 20 years old.<br /> There are two types of geishas: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tachikata</span>, her main skill being the traditional dancing- <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">mai</span>, and<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> jikata</span>, expert in singing or playing an instrument. Usually tachikata are the younger geishas, maiko-s, while jikata are the older geishas.<br /> Geishas are usually hired to attend all sorts of feasts, inside tea houses or traditional japanese restaurants. There is a signifiant confusion regarding geishas, especially in the Western world, where these delicate creatures have been perceived as <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">prostitutes</span>. Confusion was created by real professional japanese prostitutes, who were using the image of geisha in order to raise their popularity.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span>themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-26232279309607426492009-01-17T06:05:00.000-08:002009-01-18T04:47:39.991-08:00How to behave at a Japanese tea ceremony<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SXHm4u7trGI/AAAAAAAAAEc/NHygS60H5pQ/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 88px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SXHm4u7trGI/AAAAAAAAAEc/NHygS60H5pQ/s400/images.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292264899482594402" border="0" /></a> If you are lucky enough as to be invited to a<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> japanese tea ceremony</span>, you have to study its history and meaning and expect to have a long relaxing adventure, if we only consider that a complete tea ceremony can go up to 5 hours. It consists of three major stages. For starters you will be served <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">kaiseki</span>- a kind of appetizer, then<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> koicha</span>- a dense thick tea and, at the end, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">usucha</span>- a light tea. Considering it's duration, the tea ceremony usually is restricted to the last part.<br /> Those who decide to follow exactly the ancient tea custom have to abide by a multitude of strict rules, even before the proper ceremony begins. The traditional <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Kimono</span> is a must and the location of the ceremony(<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> chashitsu- the tea house</span>) has to be perfectly cleaned. None of the ceremonial utensils are randomly chosen: they are all cosiderably old, except the bamboo bowl and a napking used for wiping, who have to be immaculate white. You also have to pay attention to way of saluting, of sitting at the table or the way to pour out the tea into the tiny cups. Conversation also plays a key role and usually is centered on origins of the utensils, on prasing the beauty of the host's gestures, of the ceremonial and natural beauty in general.<br /> The traditional japanese tea ceremony takes place in special arranged rooms; the guest's itinerary starts from a waiting room, followed by a garden and a further passage through a gate. Then they wash their hands and mouth, in order to purify themselves and after that they finally enter the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chashitsu</span>. There is no talking during this interval, so the guests are guided just by the host's gestures. The tea room is extremely simple, as it contains only a small table for serving tea, a traditional painted parchment and a few mats: the host and the most honoured guest sit on one mat, the rest of the guest on a second mat and utensils are all put on a third one. After all the guests have payed a close look to the parchment they are served appetizers, called <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chakaiseki</span>. After that they are invited to the garden, as the host has an significant task ahead: preparing the tea and changing the parchment with a floral arrangement called <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chabana</span>.<br /> With 5 gong beatings or 7 bells( depending if the ceremony is taking place during the day or night time) the guests are called back into the chashitsu. While they are admiring the chabana the host brings all the utensils required for the tea ceremony: a large cup, a bamboo whisk, napking, a vase with water for washing, a silk handkerchief and a bamboo ladle.<br /> But how is the tea prepared? The powder tea is poured into a cup and then you pour water heated at 60 degrees Celsius. Afterwards you mix it with a bamboo stick untill it turns foamy. The cup is then offered to the first guest. The later performs a bow, uplifts and rotates the tea cup, tastes it and then he gives it away to the next person, till the cup comes back to the host.themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-33998112774197590712009-01-17T04:40:00.000-08:002009-01-17T06:05:03.261-08:00A short history of Sado, the Japanese tea ceremony<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SXHS1QDyvAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/adUXHa6Qx5Q/s1600-h/ceremonia.ceaiului.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 107px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SXHS1QDyvAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/adUXHa6Qx5Q/s400/ceremonia.ceaiului.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292242849422818306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sado</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Japanese tea ceremony </span></span>is both the oldest and world renowed japanese traditions. Its charm resides in its spirituality and the simple and unharmed beauty of this staggering nectar which is the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">green tea</span>. The very tea which is the key point of the century old ceremony for wich japanese people are known around the globe. Modern japanese learn it in special schools and tourists came from all corners of the world to see it.<br /> The tea plant was brought to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Japan</span> from <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">China</span>, in the 12 th century, by <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Eisai</span>, a <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Buddhist</span> monk. He is nowdays known as "the father of tea". Used exclusively in the japanese temples, it started in the following decades to be more and more appreciated by laics, especially by noblemen and<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> samurai</span>. In order to become a tea cult ( <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chanoyu</span>) it required to reach a higher level, and this was made possible by another buddhist monk, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Murata Juko </span>(<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Shuko</span>) (1422- 1503). It was him who established the first principles of the future tea ceremony. Chanoyu was later updated by the great master <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Soueki</span>, the one who shape it into the modern form we know today.themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-51272167315443699952009-01-16T05:43:00.000-08:002009-01-16T11:39:33.735-08:00Kabuki, unique japanese theatre<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SXCP5pqgWtI/AAAAAAAAAEM/2qb7R4JLgQs/s1600-h/kabuki.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 124px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SXCP5pqgWtI/AAAAAAAAAEM/2qb7R4JLgQs/s400/kabuki.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291887782759783122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Kabuki</span> is an old traditional Japanese form of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">theatre</span> which first appeared at the beginning of the 17 th century, in an era called<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> kabuki-odori</span>. In japanese language kabuki means eccentric, unusual, out of the norm. And that is exactly what kabuki theatre means, acting in an unusual manner.<br /> At its beginning Kabuki was nothing more than a short dance performed by japanese women for the amusement of the merchants. With the passing of time performances grew in complexity, combining music, dance and theatre and slowly becaming the modern Kabuki.<br /><p align="justify"><nobr><br /></nobr></p>themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-52993886435410823682008-12-21T11:38:00.000-08:002008-12-22T03:24:48.025-08:00The Japanese Art of Bonsai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SU6dEyy-MlI/AAAAAAAAAB4/ZCrEbbIYRTo/s1600-h/bonsai.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 90px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SU6dEyy-MlI/AAAAAAAAAB4/ZCrEbbIYRTo/s400/bonsai.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282332118632772178" border="0" /></a> The jananese art of <span style="font-style: italic;">Bonsai</span> it's an occupation that lies on the edge between arts and gardening. What does really mean the growth of bonsai? In just a few words it is an ancient japanese pursuit of cultivating small plants and trees inside a vase. The meaning of Bonsai in japanese is more than suggestive, representing the fusion of two ancient japanese words: <span style="font-style: italic;">bon</span>( tree) and<span style="font-style: italic;"> sai</span> (vase) .<p> The most fascinating thing about a bonsai tree is the fact that, opposite to what one might think, it isn't genetically modified so it remains small, but it is a perfectly normal tree, its miniature like size being the consequence of the small space into which it was grown and of the systematic cuttings. This extaordinary fact can be observed best when the bonsai tree flourishes, its flowers being much like those of regular trees , on both aspects of form and size.</p> <p><span id="more-218"></span></p> <p> The japanese art of Bonsai appeared in the XII century, as an evolution of an ancient chinese technology. It spread quickly in all of Japan, after a few centuries becaming already a tradition. Being in the past centuries the attribute of monks, scholars and aristocrats, the art of bonsai evolved, starting with the XIX century, becaming a way of living for the vast majority of the japanese, the nowdays popularity of this art rising at such a level that it is said that there is no japanese family not to have a bonsai tree inside their home. Truly this sophisticated pursuit, which perfectly combines both artistical and hoticultural aspects, matches entirely the minutely and sensible japanese soul.<br /></p> <p>Due to its peculiar charm, its spreading sensibility, a bonsai tree makes the perfect present for our loved ones. And what can be more suitable to write on the greetings card than this old japanese saying: <span style="font-style: italic;">A bonsai is never done.</span><br /></p>themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-70623419467419591802008-12-21T07:14:00.000-08:002008-12-21T11:33:50.328-08:00Ikebana, Japanese Decorative Art<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SU5-40YVybI/AAAAAAAAABw/_xvSJUdVax0/s1600-h/ikebana.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 96px; height: 121px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SU5-40YVybI/AAAAAAAAABw/_xvSJUdVax0/s400/ikebana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282298927550679474" border="0" /></a><br /> The term of <span style="font-style: italic;">Ikebana</span> describes the technique of arranging in artistic manner various flowers into a vase. It is a occupation which truly represents the inner sensibility and the remarkable love for beauty of the japanese nation. An art teeming with symbols, who's main goal is to recreate Nature's universal perfection into the artificial environment of the modern world. <p> Ikebana generated from the fusion of two old japaneze words,<span style="font-style: italic;">ike</span>- which means to give life- and <span style="font-style: italic;">bana</span>-flower-, this fact explaining in a suggestive way the meaning of this ancient japanese pursuit. It originated in the VI century Japan, ikebana floral systems being used to adorn Buddhist temples. The salient features of this ancient decorative art are unevenness, asymmetry, the pursue of apparently imperfect shapes and last, but not least, the simpleness, a ikebana composition always suggesting the passing of time. This kind of composition evolves on three levels, symbolising the sky, the man and the Earth. Depending on the kind of vase used, there are two types of ikebana, namely <span style="font-style: italic;">Moribana</span>( uses flat vases) and <span style="font-style: italic;">Nageira</span>( the vase is long and thin). <br /></p> <p> Amongst the plants used in ikebana compositions I can mention roses, irisis, chrysanthemum or tulips. An interesting impression is created by using branches of japanese cherry or apple trees. The ikebana floral composition evolves in accordance with the season, from the austere and dull adornnings during the winter to spring's boom of life, diversity and colour.</p> <p> Nowdays Ikebana is an art which has developed globally, going long ago beyond Japan's borders. But the Asian country still remains the home of this fascinating occupation, existing more than 15 million practitions of ikebana, and that just amongst the japanese. It is teached as regular subject in over 3000 schools, being recognized countless styles and masters of ikebana.<br /></p>themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-19315424885274067372008-12-21T03:05:00.000-08:002008-12-21T07:03:13.105-08:00Sighisoara, the medieval treasure of Transilvania<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SU5TNCiG0TI/AAAAAAAAABo/O-2W9VM7EGo/s1600-h/sighisoara2.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 93px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SU5TNCiG0TI/AAAAAAAAABo/O-2W9VM7EGo/s400/sighisoara2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282250896435499314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SU4kNSGwyMI/AAAAAAAAABg/8wB_sLDMGXI/s1600-h/sighisoara.1.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SU4kNSGwyMI/AAAAAAAAABg/8wB_sLDMGXI/s400/sighisoara.1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282199223569270978" border="0" /></a> Located into the beautiful hills of central Transilvania, one of the loveliest landscapes of Europe, Sighisoara is, for sure, a place worth seeing. It is situated 400 km east of Budapest and 165 km north-vest of Brasov, and, after you surpass the difficulties of the old Romanian infrastructure, when arriving into this medieval wonder you'll discover a charming little town, with great arhitecture and extremly reach in historical sites.<br /> <br /> Sighisoara is very much like Prague, but at a smaller scale and it also has the advantage that is not yet so invaded by mass tourism. An old saxon fortress built in the XIII century, it amaizez by the fact that it is still inhabited nowdays, more than 700 years after. The Clock Tower and the Hill Cathedral are the two buildings that stand out from the town's skyline. But in Sighisoara every corner teems of nice surprises, the small medieval streets and XV century houses creating the perfect setting for long and romantic walks.<br /> The Transilvanian city it has a very cosmopolite and multicultural atmosphere, beeing the location for numerous cultural events, which are held each year. The Medieval Arts Festival, which is held every year at the end of July, is maybe the best occasion to visit this charming medieval burg. The narrow streets are buzzing with people of various ethnic background and of all ages. During the three days festival are organized more then twenty events related to medieval theatre, dance, music, exhibitions, crafts, etc, along other folk, rock, etc.<br /> Certainly Sighisoara is a must see when visiting Eastern Europe. The only problem is generated by the poor condition of the romanian roads. The prices are relatively low and the region is packed with quality accomodations for all the budgets.themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448780835359576912.post-39719266116307102552008-12-18T12:16:00.000-08:002008-12-19T07:37:23.803-08:00Origami - The Japanese Art Of Paper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SUq0oYMh-QI/AAAAAAAAABQ/UGe-Vi66ld0/s1600-h/origami.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 117px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WvNXnv69ABM/SUq0oYMh-QI/AAAAAAAAABQ/UGe-Vi66ld0/s400/origami.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281232118828103938" border="0" /></a> A way to pass time for some, for others just a simple game, Origami is in fact, alongside the tea ceremony and ikebana, one of the most important aspects of the Japanese ancient traditions. It is a truly unique art, a melange between simpleness and armony, in true Japanese manner.<br /> This ancient art of paper folding originated somewhere in China, almost 2000 years ago and it was adopted by japanese aristocracy a few hundred years later. Used in the past for decorating ancient Buddhist temples, origami products have became nowdays a part of the day to day japanese life, being used in various occasions, such as decorating the modern japanese houses or as gifts for weddings. To give you a clue about the impact oregami art has on japanese society, I could tell you that these people are considering building an origami plane to be launched from space. Recently a prototype passed a durability test in a wind tunnel on March 2008, and Japan's space agency adopted it for feasibility studies.<br /> Origami doesn't just cover still-lifes, it also covers moving objects; Origami can move in clever ways. Action origami includes origami that flies, requires inflation to complete, or, when complete, uses the kinetik energy of a person's hands, applied at a certain region on the model, to move another flap or limb. Some argue that strictly speaking, only the latter is really "recognized" as action origami. Action origami, first appearing with the traditional Japanese flapping bird, is quite common. One example is Robert Lang's instrumentalists; when the figures' heads are pulled away from their bodies, their hands will move, resembling the playing of music.themurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466911571058813795noreply@blogger.com0