Tag Archives: Art

Culture, Daidogei, 観光, Face Painting, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Face Painting by Lucie Brouillard at Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City! The Compilation!

November 3, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

The Artist, Lucie Brouillard and the model or some of the models of the day!

Yesterday I managed to steal some time to pay another visit to Lucie Brouillard at work durig the Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City. Lucie who hails from Alberta State and Quebec in Canada (we spoke in French all the time!) graduated in Art at High School and has been working in face painting and body painting for last 25 years. It is quite incredible to realize that she taught herself an art that she calls “writing a story on a body”!
Check Lucie Brouillard’s homepage for her art portfolio!
You will understand why she became the Bodypainting World Champion in 2009 and the Facepainting World Champion in 2009!

Interestingly enough Lucie pointed out that the Japanese people are the best to paint on their faces and bodies as they very few wrinkles and stay quiet and immobile while being decorated!

here is a compilation of her art I had the joy to witness!

A cute little peacock!

Fairy wings!

Beautifully combining the design color with that of the clothing!

The eye of a legendary bird?

A brace of mature felines!

Lady Butterfly!

A rejuvenated witch?
My favorite!

Another pixie just out of the woods!

That pixie came fleeting out the sky!

Now, who could be this macabre Bacchus?

Can you guess?

A half mask for the Carnival!

Another Lady Butterfly?

A growling lion from The Philippines!

A Pink Phoenix!

A bank employee?
Lucie confided this was the first time she had painted a squirrel on a face!

A howling dragon and a grinning frog!
Drawn on request!
Lucie didn’t want me to publish that particular design but I decided to show it to demonstrate that my friend will satisfy any design if reasonable!

Street performers?

And an 11-year old flower pixie for the last finishing touch!

See you again next year!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Culture, Daidogei, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Face Painting by Lucie Brouillard at Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City!

November 1, 2012 dragonlife 6 Comments

The Artist, Lucie Brouillard and the model of the day, Stephanie!

The Daidogei or Street Performers Fetsival began today to last until Sunday and I can promise you that the center of Shizuoka City, especially Gofuku Street and Aoba Street will be busy with artists of all trends and spectators coming from the whole Prefecture and beyond to witness a major event recognized in the whole of Japan!

I had some time free this afternoon and I strolled in the streets in search of a worthy subject…. and I found it!
Face painting!
Actually it was a piece of luck to go out today as the interminable queues wouldn’t have allowed me much freedom for pictures and interview!

Through sheer coincidence I also happened to meet a fellow Burgundian residing in Shizuoka City, namely Stephanie, who is also very interested in face painting! Actually she has been studying the art for the last three years!

Considering the level of the art, 1,000 yen for a half mask and 2,000 yen for a full face were a real bargain!
Do have a try and surprise your friends!

Lucie Brouillard who hails from Alberta State and Quebec in Canada (we spoke in French all the time!) graduated in Art at High School and has been working in face painting and body painting for last 25 years. It is quite incredible to realize that she taught herself an art that she calls “writing a story on a body”!
Check Lucie Brouillard’s homepage for her art portfolio!
You will understand why she became the Bodypainting World Champion in 2009 and the Facepainting World Champion in 2009!

Stephanie wanted her face painted as it was part of her own study!

Most of Lucie’s creations are abstract art but she is willing to tackle any request!

“First steo”.

“Second step” in progress.
Lucie uses only natural watercolors that will not affect the skin and that also allow her to “reactivate” any time some repair or else is needed!

“Second step” completed!

“Third step” in progress!

“Third step” still in progress!
Lucie has been invited as a guest artist to the Shizuoka Daidogei and has participated to the event 12 times since 2000!

“Third step” completed!

“Fourth step”!

Now, that attracted TV cameras!

The local media started crowding the place!

How does it look?

Beautiful!

Quite a few men were also tempted…

But you certainly cannot beat Lucie’s art on Stephanie!

Lucie will be stationed on the right side of Gofuku Street at a short distance from Aoba Street!
Come early as queues from tomorrow will stretch over 50 meters (serious!)!

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観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Museums, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Japan Tourism:　Kunijian Wood Block Print Atelier at “Little Museum” in Mariko, Shizuoka City!

November 1, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Wood Block prints depicting old stations along the Tenhama Railway Line.

Mariko in Shizuoka City is a real haven for art lovers. Not only it is full of ateliers and artists, it also harbors a very cute museum simply called “Chiisana Bijutsukan/小さな美術館/Snmall Art Museum” that is worth more than a visit regardless of its size for its design and little treasures!

The building, founded in 2003, and the entrance are very modern if artistic in approach and you are in for a surprise once you have passed the entrance door!

But before entering take some time to admire the fountain and minuscule garden design!

The entrance.
Why is it almost at the far end of the building?

As soon as you have passed the door you have to take a 90-degree turn into a narrow hall which runs all the way down along the facade wall!

Looking back, you will find the entrance on the left at the top the picture.
But you are not walking blind as low windows will allow a peek inside!

Once inside you will find yourself in a long narrow room with white walls decorated with wood block prints by Kuniji Sone/曽根邦治さん, the artist who owns the Museum!

The entrance is free, but whatever the time you visit you will be invited to the far end alcove where you will be graciously served Shizuoka green tea!

Take your time, a seat and some delicious tea while the lady who helps the artist welcome visitors will talk about the Museum and Artist Kuniji Sone as long as you wish!

And while you drink your tea enjoy the view and peace of the hidden garden!

The Musuem also holds exhibitions and sales by various artists on a regular schedule so have a good look!
,

I actually bought one of the exquisite dishes placed on the left top extremity of the table!

A little Museum, yes, but packed with loveliness and art!

A beautiful array of tenugui/手ぬぐい/hand cloth!

I really wanted to buy this sake-drinking goblin (next time)!

Exquisite dyed cloth bags!

Kuinji Sone at work!

Kuniji Sone was born in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture in 1928 but really started exhibiting his wood block prints at the age of 67!
Even now, at the grand age of 84, he still works every day on new designs!

The walls are ornamented with his works of different sizes, all for sale at a range of prices to agree with any budget!

Kuniji Sone has traveled and still travel extensively, and his prints not only represent scenes in Shizuoka Prefecture but also those found all over Japan and the World!

Do take your time and enjoy the prints. You might even find your own country or land there!
Let me show you only a few I have chosen. It should entice you to see them all!

Railway stations along the Tenhama Railway Line in Western Shizuoka where 12 stations have been awarded the title of Shizuoka Prefecture Protected Historical and Cultural Assets!

Mount Fuji and tea fields from Yamanashi Prefecture!

Trinidad!

Garden pond in Vietnam!

Note it on your schedule next time you visit Shizuoka City!

Kujian Atelier & Gallery/Chiisana Bijutsukan/Small Museum
Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Mariko, Izumigaya, 3315-9
Tel.: 054-257-1114
Opening hours: 10:30~17:00
Closed on Wednesdays and End of the Year Holidays
Free entrance
Parking available

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Japan Tourism: The 57 “Red Berets” at Kansyouin Temple in Mariko, Shizuoka City!

October 29, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

“Red Berets” or “Stooges?

The other day when I was strolling at the foot of the mountains surrounding Mariko I happened onto an unusual site!

It was just between the post indicating the old Kanshyouin Temple/歓昌院 and the actual entrance gate.

Stop and approach?

There no less than 57 small statues, all different with their heads covered with knitted red berets!
Of course this is all religion lore and I’m not going to talk about the reasons behind the phenomenon, but some of the statues were really interesting for their features!
Here are a few I chose for their more intriguing expressions!

Surrender or exasperation!

Alroght, alright, shall we talk about it?

Just came back from Italy!

A snake for sale?

Hmmm, let me see…

Don’t tell me it’s going to rain……!

A gastronomy deity?

Shall I scratch my back or hit you?

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Shizuoka Hobby Square: Miniature Models Heaven!

October 5, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

Model plane by Hasegawa Co!

Did you know that Shizuoka City is the leading manufacturer of “plan models”, Model Miniatures”, sclaed own figures and hobby figures in Japan, and as a city in the world?
It is a mind-boggling experience for the fans to visit this city and its companies but you can start right south of Shizuoka JR Station to prepare yourself for a great adventure!

The SHIZUOKA HOBBY SQUARE is a city-sponsored Museum of the hobby industry in Shizuoka City.
It is located in the same building housing the Century Hotel just across the street on the left of Shizuoka JR Station South exit. Just go through the “South Spot” entry and go to the 3rd floor!

Shizuoka City has a long history of civilian engineering and manufacture.
The first-ever civilian Japanese plane took off there in 1923 by Jirou Aoshima/青島次郎!

Invaluable relics for the maiden flight plane!

The Museum is comparatively small but packed to the brim with top-quality samples!
They also include a shop, a workshop where you can try your hand for free and an event room (for a fee).
The entrance is free, so even if you are only mildly interested visit the place on a rainy day!
You will still learn a lot from history to science fiction!

They even have a full-size authentic vintage Harley-Davidson!

Note that that I have hyperlinked to the different companies’ homepages. Even if you don’t read japanese, the pictures will be enough to captivate you all night long!

Star Trek spaceship model by HASEGAWA HOBBY KITS!

The Hasegawa hobby Kits display window!

TAMIYA is the oldest of them all and are famous in Eurpoe and anywhere else for their car models!

But they also an incredible collection of war history models be it Navy, Air Force or Army!

EBBRO MINIATURE MODELS specializes in car and bike models of all kinds!

And in jumbo-sized models!

If you like ships and castles in particular, you must have a good looks at the models of WOODY JOE!

For a closer look!

A rare scene of Japanese artillery in Edo Era!

They have also started WWII ships and planes!

AOSHIMA Co is remarkable for its varied sope!

They are famous for detailed science models representing not only the outside but also the inside view of animals, humans, machines and vehicles!

BANDAI Co is a newcomer to Shizuoka City. Their offices are in Nagoya City but the whole factory has been moved to Shizuoka City a few years ago thus earning Shizuoka City the title of World miniature models capital!

These Japanese comics characters are known all over the World!

And they boast an incredible range!

This Museum is certainly not for kids but for adults who need all their money to indulge in their hobbies!

SHIZUOKA HOBBY SQUARE
422-8067 Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Minami Machi, 18-1, South Spot 3F
Tel.: 054-289-3033
Opening hours: 11:00~18:00, 10:00~18:00 (Saturdays & Sundays & National Holidays)
Closed on Mondays
Entrance free except for special events (Separate room)
HOMEPAGE

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Crafts, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Crafts, Tourism

Japanese Crafts and Traditional Works in Shizuoka City!

October 4, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

SURUGA HAND DYEING/駿河和染

“The traditional skills of hand dyeing have been passed down through generations of craftsmen in Shizuoka. The sharp, single contrast of indigo and white results in strength of design and austere beauty, a beauty that can be seen today in the many products in which traditional dyeing methods are used”

I’ve known for quite some time that Shizuoka City is a major center for traditional crafts and works in Japan, but I have always been curious how many of such crafts are represented in our city.
Shizuoka City has been officially recognized as a center of traditional crafts, works and even hobbies as far back as 1804 when it was still called 1804 a legacy left by the famous Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu when he retired in our city beginning of the 17th Century and brought all kinds craftsmen along!

her is the full compilation including the one above.
If you want more information on individual craftsmen and associations (there 28 of them alone!) don’t hesitate to ask me!

SURUGA LACQUERWARE/駿河漆器

“When Sengen Shrine was built in Kanei Era, about 350 years ago, the best lacquer craftsmen were gathered in Shizuoka from all over Japan. After the construction of the shine was completed, these craftsmen stayed and formed the nucleus of Shizuoka’s lacquerware industry.”

SURUGA SASHIMONO/駿河指物

“Sashimono incorporates traditional cabinet-making techniques to manufacture a wide variety of woodcraft products. The woodworking techniques developed by Shizuoka cabinetmakers over the years have given root to the present-day woodworking industry in Shizuoka, and have made Shizuoka a leading area for cabinet and furniture making in Japan.”

HINA DOLLS/駿河雛具・雛人形

“Shizuoka is the top producing area of Hina Dolls in Japan. This is a traditional household item from ancient times, but the designs have been changed to satisfy present-day consumer tastes. many new items have been added that are thought to bring luck and health to one’s beloved children”.

SURUGA BAMBOO LATTICE WARE/駿河竹千節細工

“Bamboo work is another special product of Shizuoka. Bamboo craft has been an important part of Japanese housewares since the old days, but quality and design have been raised to the level of artwork while still maintaining qualities for practical use. Shizuoka bamboo products were designated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) as a Traditional Craft product in 1976.”

CLOGS/駿河塗下駄・張下駄

“The industry is an offshoot of the lacquerware industry. During the Meiji Era, the techniques and know-how of the lacquerware industry were applied to the manufacturing of traditional wooden clogs and made it the highest quality product in the country.”

SURUGA MAKIE (GOLD LACQUER)/駿河蒔絵

“Suruga Makie got its start in Shizuoka in 1828 when the lacquer artist Senzo Nakagawa, then living in Sumpu (the old name of Shizuoka) introduced and taught makie techniques.”

WOODEN FURNITUE/木製家具

“The furniture of Shizuoka, both Japanese and Western styles, are famous throughout Japan. The products are practical as well as specialized in order to meet the demands of the diversified lifestyles of consumers.”

HOME FURNISHINGS/建具

“The paper and lattice sliding doors and partitions that give the Japanese rooms their characteristic breezy and open peaceful feeling are still made by artisans who make use of traditional carpentry techniques that date back to the building of Shizuoka’s Sengen shrine.”

SANDALS & SHOES/サンダル・シューズ

“The Vinyl Sandal industry is rather a newcomer having started after the war, but with its streamlined production facilities, never-ending technical innovations and eagerness to improve design and quality have brought it to the top level in the country.”

Courtesy of the Shizuoka Hobby Square (Shizuoka City).

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Noh Masks Exhibition by Roger Voltz at Chubu Denryoku Gallery in Shizuoka City!

October 4, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Roger Voltz, a French national, who has resided no less than 39 years in Shizuoka City has been establishing his name for quite some time in the Shizuoka and Japan Art World after 20 years of creating Noh masks according to Japanese tradition only in painstaking labor once back home from work mainly as a University lecturer.

He has been holding exhibitions, both individuals and in collaboration, for some time and has become a regular attraction in the local art world.
His latest exhibition started yesterday and will last until the 16th at the gallery inside the Chubu Denryoku Company in Shizuoka City

When asked what drove him to spend so much time and will in his art his answer came quickly enough:
“I would like to leave a legacy for the younger generation to continue.”
That is what art should all be about, shouldn’t it?

Roger being interviewed by the Shizuoka Shinbun Daily newspaper (700,000 copies1). The article actually appeared this morning!

Apart of becoming proficient in martial arts he has been carving Noh masks for the last 20 years.
Noh Theater is one of the oldest forms of theater in Japan (originating out of combination of Chinese performing arts, known as sarugaku, and traditional Japanese dance called dengaku、during the Muromachi Era, 13th~16th Century) and has attained great fame in World Performing Arts for its intricate dances, music and acting.
The actors are exclusively male and usually only the main one wears a mask(s) on stage.
There are five Noh Theater “Schools” all possessing their own original masks.
But the same masks have to be duplicated according to rules and traditions as obviously these original masks are really worn, invaluable relics they are!
So far Roger has carved and exhibited 20 masks under the guidance of his Master, Kishinosuke Atsumi.
This time he exhibits a carefully chosen selection of 9 masks.

Here my 3 favorite. Come and visit the exhibition to enjoy the whole collection at your pace and leisure!

——————

——————

Carving the masks in wood is a long and intricate process taking 8~10 months in Roger’s cas as he can create them only during his spare time.
Each mask weighs 130g~150g for female characters and 150~180 g for male counterparts.
Each mask is carved out of a block of either hinoki/檜/Japanese cypress or kusunoki/楠/camphor tree, both valuable wood in this country.
Ask Roger who is usually on hand between 3:00 and 4:30 to explain them all!
He is certainly a wealth of knowledge to meet!

If you want to contact Roger directly for more information, write to him at rvoltz@mta.biglobe.ne.jp!

Last year’s article THERE!

Exhibition site
Chubu Denryoku Company, Yume Kkyu Gallery
Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Magarigane, 6-3-38
Tel..: 0129-985-210
Car park available
Exhibition Schedule: October 3~16th, 09:00~16:30
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

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Robert Yellin’s Newsletter: Minegishi Seiko Debut Exhibition

September 15, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Minegishi Seiko

Greetings from Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Greetings from Kyoto and we hope this finds all well as we enter into autumn here, surely one of the most pleasant times to visit this most amazing city.

Minegishi Seiko Debut Exhibition

We’re very pleased to announce the Kyoto debut exhibition of Celadon master Minegishi Seiko(b.1952). Minegishi is without a doubt one of the most graceful celadon ceramic artists in Japan today. He works out of the resort town of Nasu in Tochigi prefecture, not far from Mashiko. His works have been exhibited at major venues in Japan as well as the Nasu Queen Museum. At the Mingei Museum in San Diego a large charger is on display now as part of a fabulous exhibition on contemporary Japanese ceramic art, see more on that below. His work has also been acquired by the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Rhode Island School of Design. His research in celadon began in 1988, yet his career as a potter began in 1972. More about Minegishi can be read here: http://www.e-yakimono.net/html/s-minegishi.html All works are museum quality and come with signed boxes. Additional photos of any works will gladly be sent upon request, the exhibition ends on Sept. 28th

Celadon Tsubo-Jars, Large Hachi-Vessel and Vases by Minegishi Seiko

Celadon Flower, Persimmon, Koro and Flower Sculpture

Celadon Vases

Celadon Tea and Sake Vessels

Exhibition Schedule, Online Selection

Our exhibition schedule for autumn and into winter include Kitajima Shigemitsu’s Echizen Tsubo-jar exhibition from Oct. 25-Nov.8; Inayoshi Osamu’s Japan and World debut exhibition from Nov.16th-25th and Osaka’s Hiruma Kazuyo’s ceramic sculptures in early December.

Our online selection is continually expanding with new discoveries, such as Taniguchi Norimasa and Yoshitaka, from the famous Kyoto family of Taniguchi Ryozo, a Japan Ceramic Society Award winner in 1963 and inventor of a most wonderful blue glazing scheme that his son and grandson continue to use. We’ve also recently listed a handsome iron-glazed jar by Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi as well as one by Kawai Kanjiro:

Tenmoku-Persimmon Glazed Jar by Shimizu Uichi

Kawai Kanjiro Henko-Jar

For those looking for a magical sake vessel then please have a look at this one by the late, great Wada Morihiro: Guinomi by Wada Morihiro

For those who want to visit the Taniguchi studio, such a visit has been planned as part of a ceramic tour of Japan commencing in October and arranged by Esprit Travel: Ceramics of Japan Tour

Other Exhibitions of Note

One highly recommended and unprecedented exhibition will be at the stunning Miho Museum not far from Kyoto showing Jomon period Dogu figures from across Japan; truly an exhibition not to be missed: 2012 Special Exhibition
Other exhibitions of note are two; one in Southern California and the other in Northern California focusing on two private collectors collections of contemporary Japanese ceramics. I was honored to give two lectures at the former, here: Nature, Tradition, and Innovation
…and hope to be able to see this one as well: Japanese Ceramics from the William Bayer Collection

Nishimura’s works

Nearby our gallery is a quaint and interesting temple call Honen-in that dates back to 1680. They often host art exhibitions, concerts and lectures that are always engaging. A few weeks ago Robert went there with a visitor and just happened to come across an exhibition by Osaka painter Nishimura Daiki, and he was immediately taken with Nishimura’s moody ‘dark and light’ paintings. Speaking with Nishimura, Robert arranged for some paintings to be displayed at the gallery and they make a perfect backdrop for any ceramic art; prices range from 30-80,000 yen. Coincidentally, Nishimura said that his work was recently shown in San Diego in Balboa Park at the Japanese Friendship Garden, where one person purchased all the paintings. We have ten to offer.

And with that we hope that the autumn brings much beauty and joy to your homes, we thank you so very much for all your support and interest in our gallery, and hope to see you here in Kyoto or online at www.japanesepottery.com Also, many updates about the gallery and ceramic news are updated on our Facebook page.

Okini from Kyoto,

Robert Yellin (Robert@e-yakimono.net)
Chihiro Yadokoro
Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery
Ginkakuji-mae-cho 39
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
JAPAN 606-8407
Phone- Int’l: 81-75-708-5581, fax: 81-75-708-5393
Within Japan: 075-708-5581, fax: 075-708-5393
www.japanesepottery.com

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Robert Yellin’s Newsletter: Takeuchi Shingo Exhibition & Local Kyoto Talent

March 24, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Takeuchi shingo

To all Friends of our gallery, Greetings from Kyoto!

It’s been a while since our last email to you and we hope this finds all lovers of beauty well. Here we are so pleased with our move to Kyoto and have been able to greet many visitors whom otherwise we wouldn’t have had the pleasure to do so. We sincerely hope that one day you’ll be able to visit this magical city and stop on by.

Our gate is always open.

Takeuchi Shingo Exhibition

In the meantime though there is so much new work on the web gallery that we hope you have seen. Now we’re having a one-man exhibition of Seto veteran ceramic artist Takeuchi Shingo, whose works are all hand-coiled and speak of exotic forms and organic color schemes. Some of his works are subdued in charcoal gray tones and are very much Zen-ish in attitude. Takeuchi’s works have been exhibited in countless juried exhibitions that include the Japan Traditional Arts and Crafts Exhibition (’82 ’85 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’94), the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition（’84 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’91 ’99), and the Taiwan Ceramics Biennale (’04 ’08). We hope you create a moment to see Takeuchi’s works online until next Wednesday. Takeuchi will be in the gallery this weekend and if anyone would like to Skype and say hello or to see works in real time please do so. By searching Skype for Robert Yellin, that should do.

After that look for Kako Katsumi’s exhibition online, a true rising star, starting on March 30th.

Local Kyoto Talent

We’ve also discovered some amazing local talent, including Kyoto veteran ceramic artist Kobayashi Hideo and the red hot young potter Ikeda Shogo from faraway Tanegashima Island, a place more associated with nanban-yaki than with Ikeda’s superb Oribe and Kohiki works.

Another veteran artist never shown in the west before is Echizen’s Miyoshi Kentaro.

For those who adore ancient works, we offer a rare chance to acquire a top rated museum quality Ko-Tamba tsubo-jar from a Kyoto collector.

Other News

A few weeks ago a video was released—actually five videos—by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs featuring different aspects of Japanese culture. For the video titled ‘Takumi’ I was selected to show various crafts—a true honor—to invite visitors from overseas to discover the beauty that Japan has to offer. The video can be viewed here, number 6:

As I type this, clouds drift over the Higashiyama mountains, below is the Silver Pavilion; we sincerely hope to see you here one day to show you this view, and we also hope you enjoy all the amazing work on the web gallery at www.japanesepottery.com.

Robert Yellin (Robert@e-yakimono.net)
Chihiro Yadokoro
Sumie Sato
Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery
Ginkakuji-mae-cho 39
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
JAPAN 606-8407
Phone- Int’l: 81-75-708-5581, fax: 81-75-708-5393
Within Japan: 075-708-5581, fax: 075-708-5393
www.japanesepottery.com

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Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London
Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

笑い, 観光, Japan, Japanese Festivals, Shizuoka, Tourism

20th Shizuoka Street performance Festival/Daidogei: The side show!

November 3, 2011 dragonlife Leave a comment

Last year’s winners from Russia!

The 20th Shizuoka Street Performers Festival or more simply, Daidogei/大道芸/ is being held from November the 3rd thru the 6th!
What was originally a government-sponsored event has become an entirely privately-run affair which means that you have to pay to watch the top performers in designated places as Shizuoka has become one of the main stages of the Street Performers World Cup taking place in many countries all year round!
But there is stil what I call the “side show”, that is what happens around non-designated performers acting in the streets (with the occasional stars coming later to join their peers) and in the crowds.
This is　as good a source for photography and I wish to share the few pics I had little time to take today, hoping they will incite you into a far better picture story!

Once a kid, always a kid…
Those little red noses are for sale for a 100 yen… business is business…

Captain Sparrow busy cooking potatoes!

Halloween was celebrated only a few days ago…

There will always be balloons on sale at festivals, but may I suggest nice ladies are left alone to do it?

Nail design is big in Japan!

And face-painting is, too!

The other side of the screen…
As usual Asahi TV Channel took a big chunk of Aoba Park Avenue with the dubious reason they are part of the live show… The only TV Channel among the 5 permanent TV Channels in Shizuoka Prefecture to think so…

The main cameraman certainly has a big program in his hands…

We techinicians are part of the show, too, ain’t we?

Do you recognize some (local) celebrities?

These two gentlemen are an eternal part of the show!

Big muscles have always been popular with the Japanese…

An impromptu street performance?

A great day for the kids anyway as today is a National Holiday!

Ozzie wonders…
Can you guess who the male is?

This was not part of the show…
Apparently there had been a serious accident on a construction site nearby…

After dusk, a Russian butterfly had the kindness to fly all the way from the paying site for a free show!
By the way, do you know what “night butterfly” means in Japanese? LOL

Nota bene: There were plenty more titillating (offensive) sights, but with all these ids featured I couldn’t bring myself to publish them!
Mind you, I might be tempted next time (if I can keep the kids out of it!)! On Sunday if it doesn’t rain?

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Rachael in England at Monistical, With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

観光, Gastronomy, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Tourism

Gastronomy and Art at Serizawa Art Gallery of Shizuoka City!

September 30, 2011 dragonlife Leave a comment

Serizawa Keisuke/芹沢桂介 was born in Shizuoka City in 1895. In 1956 he was certified as a Living National Treasure (Official title for an intangible Cultural Property Holder) on KATAEZOME dying works.
The City of Shizuoka completed the Keisuke Serizawa Art Gallery of Shizuoka City in 1981 3 years before the artist left this world.

Serizawa Keisuke was only a genius artist but an unbelievable collector of folk art. The Museum can show only one tenth of its whole collection at a time. I visited it yesterday again and found some interesting relations between gastronomy and art among his creations and collection!

The Japanese have always loved their crabs!

For a closer view!

Now, what is printed on this Edo Period noren (Shop entrance curtain)?

Isei ebi/伊勢海老/spiny lobster! Which just that the Japanese had appreciated it a long time before some other parts of the world!

Food and Spices in an Okinawan market of old!

It looks like a kirie/きりえ/japanese cut paper Art!

A stylized view of a dining room!

Again from Okinawa!

What were these Edo Period boxes used for!

The staff explained me these boxes were used to carry along the whole sake drinking set!

Enormous sake tokkuri/酒徳利/sake flasks!

What were all this lacquer ware from the Tohoku Region dating back to the Edo Period for?

This utensil was used to pour sake to very thirsty guests!

Hip flask to carry along water or sake!

Box to preserve ground chili pepper! The Japanese had been using growing the fiery condiment for quite some time!

Looking forward to the next exhibition!

Serizawa Art Gallery of Shizuoka City
Shizuoka Shi, Suruga Ku, Toro, 5-10-15
Tel.: 054-282-5522
Opening hours: 9:00~16:00
Closed on Mondays (except National Holidays)
HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Japan, Japanese Pottery, Pottery, Tourism

Robert Yellin Newsletter: Koinuma Michio Exhibition & Ogawa Machiko, Mihara Ken Works

September 13, 2011 dragonlife Leave a comment

Ogawa Machiko

Greetings from Kyoto,

To all subscribers to our mailing list a hearty ‘Okini’ from Kyoto; hoping this finds you well and living with and touching beauty in some form each and every precious day.

We’re firmly settled into our truly splendid house near Ginkakuji—the Silver Pavilion—and have had many folks visit who would not have otherwise if we were still in Mishima; the move was a good move! If you haven’t yet seen photos of the new space please do so here: http://www.japanesepottery.com/about-us.php#tour

Koinuma Michio Exhibition

As many know autumn is known as the Season of Culture here in Japan and we are pleased to present for our first exhibition new works by legendary and influential Mashiko-based artist Koinuma Michio.

In a past issue of Japan’s leading ceramic magazine ‘Honoho Geijutsu,’ Koinuma was named one of the top 100 potters in all of Japan. That is quite an honor considering the tens of thousands of professional potters here. Koinuma(b1936) as noted is based in Mashiko but his creations are far from Mingei; they are clay works of highest artistic merit and in important museum and private collections worldwide. Please have a look at 15 new works here.

Ogawa Machiko, Mihara Ken Works

Mihara

We also have added some important works from artists such as Ogawa Machiko with a large red circa 1987 vessel and a circa 1991 large Mihara Ken ‘Wave-Wind’ motif vessel. For those who might be looking for special autumn sake flask—of course autumn is when sake tastes best—this flask by Living National Treasure Tamura Koichi should fit the bill: click here

Up-and-coming Potters – Hattori Katsuya

The past few months I’ve also looked at the work of up-and-coming potters and not just those who make sculptural works, yet also those who make ‘simple’ works for daily use, and whose works are very reasonable. One such potter is Hattori Katsuya.

His tea pots, bowls and cups are a joy to look at, to use, and add much character to any table. The koma-linear motifs found on his works remind me of Edo period Seto works in a mugiwara-de or ‘barley straw style,’ so favored by the likes of Shirasu Masako.

Other News

In October starting from the 15th we’ll be showing recently-fired pieces by famed Iga potter Fujioka Shuhei; he’s been busy for months now making the new works, with an emphasis on tsubo-jar forms. Look also for many other of his ‘samurai-slash’ forms that certainly command attention.

In Kyoto I also have access to a wider range of very hard-to-get-into-dealer-only auctions, so please look for one-of-a-kind works from past-modern and contemporary potters, one such find is a very rare circa late Edo period set of Noh mukozuke from the Iwakura-yaki style based here in Kyoto: click here.

We — Chihiro and Sumie and I — hope you visit the online gallery to refresh your spirit and mind in these amazing times; empires come and go, yet the only thing that remains is art and the legacy of those who touched it.

Robert Yellin (Robert@e-yakimono.net)
Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery
Ginkakuji-mae-cho 39
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
JAPAN 606-8407
Phone- Int’l: 81-75-708-5581, fax: 81-75-708-5393
Within Japan: 075-708-5581, fax: 075-708-5393
www.japanesepottery.com

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

観光, Music, Tourism

Great Music for your Repast: Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments!

July 3, 2011 dragonlife 4 Comments

A huge standing drum from the South Pacific!

There is a lot of good food and drinks in Hamamatsu City, but there is also a lot of exceptional music!
With Kawai, Yamaha and Rolland all established in that city, more than half of all music instruments in Japan are made there!
It was no wonder that the City decided to open a Meuseum when it erected Act City and other buildings within walking distance of the Railway Station 15 years ago!

My favorite Japanese instrument, the biwa!

The City then proceeeded to amass a mind-bogling collection of more 1200 pieces on constant display out of more than 3000 in their vaults!
The collection truly covers the whole World and the entrance fee of 400 yen (for adults) is truly ridiculous!
Next time you travel or go out in Hamamatsu City take some time to immerse yourself in the biggest public musical instruments in the world!
The more for it when you realize that photography is allowed!

Here is a tiny selection of pictures I took the other day to which I intend to add regularly!

Quaint samisen!

One-string koto!

Hand-painted 19th Century US banjo!

Musical Sea shells!

A piano for the Sun King?

Or a piano for his favorite?

Historical routes of the mandoline!

Bagpipes from the Scots!

For a Carribean steel band!

They even have a collection of postage stamps on African Music Instruments on display!

Harps for the Celts!

Serpents/snakes from Europe!

Glasses are not always for drinking!
A full crystal glass musical instrument!

Some wind instruments are equipped with truly impressive mouths!

A somewhat frightening steel tongue plank from Africa!

impressive drums from the South Pacific!

Tam tams or boast?

A South East Asian triple xylophone decorated with carved silhouettes!

These feathers will certainly mark out the musician in a band!

I wonder if this peacock contributed its feathers to the precedent instrument?

Yamaha electric guitars from the early 60’s! True antiques for rockn’ rollers!

Make sure to visit the experimental room to try tyour own hand at music!

Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments/浜松市楽器博物館
430-7790 Hamamatsu City, Chuo Ku, Chuo, 3-9-1
Tel.: 053-451-1128
Fax: 053-451-1129
HOMEPAGE
Opening hours: 09:30~17:30
Closed on Mondays, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays. Open all throughout August.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Noh Masks

Noh Mask Artist: Roger Voltz

March 21, 2011 dragonlife Leave a comment

Roger Voltz standing in front of his artworks at the recently exhibition in Shziuoka Bank Shizuogin Gallery Yonki.

“I would like to leave a legacy for the younger generation to continue.”

Roger Voltz (63, a French citizen born in St. Denis in the suburbs of Paris, came to Shizuoka City in 1973 to settle down after a long travel through the woorld.
A University language lecturer by trade he had always been attracted by the Japanese culture.

Apart of becoming in martial arts he has been carving Noh masks for the last 18 years.
Noh Theater is one of the oldest forms of theater in Japan (originating out of combination of Chinese performing arts, known as sarugaku, and traditional Japanese dance called dengaku、　during the Muromachi Era, 13th~16th Century) and has attained great fame in World Performing Arts for its intricate dances, music and acting.
The actors are exclusively male and usually only the main one wears a mask(s) on stage.

Akobujou/阿古父尉/Old Man

There are five Noh Theater “Schools” all possessing their own original masks.
But the same masks have to be duplicated according to rules and traditions as obviously these original masks are really worn, invaluable relics they are!

Hanjo/班女/Lady Han

So far Roger has carved and exhibited 20 masks under the guidance of his Master, Kishinosuke Atsumi.
5 of them were exhibited at The Exhibition held with three more artists at the Shizuoka Bank/Shizugin Gallery Yonki March 10th~16th.
He is far from being a new face in the art as he has already exhibited in the Shizuoka Prefecture Museum and in Mariko.

Kantan Otoko/邯鄲男/The Man form Kantan

Carving the masks in wood is a long and intricate process taking 8~10 months in Roger’s cas as he can create them only during his spare time.

Yamanba/山姥/the Old Mountain Crone

Each mask weighs 130g~150g for female characters and 150~180 g for male counterparts.

Hashihime/橋姫/Princess Hashi (the mask of jealousy!)

Each mask is carved out of a block of either hinoki/檜/Japanese cypress or kusunoki/楠/camphor tree, both valuable wood in this country.
The process was kindly demonstrated with maks carvedin different stages at the exhibition:

The “four main stages”

A rough picture is drawn on a block weighing around 1 kg.

A rough mask is carved with help of hard paper measures.

The face is gradually carved in more details with the help of hard paper model.

The finished product hollowed out to fit the face of the actor with holes for the eyes and mouth!
It will then be careful painted.

I’m planning to interview Roger in his atelier soon to show you a more detailed explanation!

If you want to contact Roger directly for more information, write to him at rvoltz@mta.biglobe.ne.jp !

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

Uncategorized

OVER IMAGE: An EXHIBITION of PHOTOGRAPHS & PAINTED IMAGES

June 4, 2010 dragonlife 4 Comments

Three Shizuoka Artists are presently holding an exhibition of Photographs & painted Images in Fujieda City!
The exhibition will be held from June 1st through June 13th (10:00~17:00) at SISpace, Fujieda City, Hon-cho, 2-6-3

The artists are:
Stephen Brown (090-3950-7695) (Canada)
Marcus Grandon (090-7853-0128) (US)
Geoffry Hinton (090-1832-8841) (New Zealand)

A party will be held on Saturday June, 5th at 5:00 p.m.

Please do pay them a visit! It is worth it!