Shino Sake Cup

This little Shino Sake Cup is one of several sake cups we were given as gifts when we were in Japan. This lovely example shows what Japanese shino looks like as opposed to what is shown as shino in New Zealand and the U S A. I hope you like this pot.

West Coast Road

This scene was taken between Reefton and Murchison on the West Coast of the South Island. The contrast of colour between these trees, which I think are Aspen, and the olive greens of New Zealand Native bush is quite remarkable. Unfortunately, the Native bush in this area has been replaced with Radiata Pine for milling.

Shimisu Kosho's "Mad Buddha" Figure

This is one of Shimisu Kosho's "Mad Buddha" figures that were shown at our exhibition in Osaka. There were several of these delightful small figures and we had to wonder about the Head Abbot of the Todaiaji Temple in Nara having such a wonderful sense of humour. Wish we had been able to purchase one and bring it home!

Kinuta at Exhibition

This Kinuta is similar to the one shown in the last scroll image on my blog. Again it is arranged as would be used in a Tea Ceremony. Mr. Fujii's friends who did these arrangements were all very artistic people and we enjoyed their company and very much appreciated their help when setting up the exhibition.

Another Shimisu Kosho Scroll

This is another of the scrolls painted by Shimisu Kosho shown at our exhibition in Osaka together with some of the pots. I have no idea what message the painting gives but it will be a Buddhist saying, probably of considerable depth. As a hanging scroll I think it is wonderful.

Very Early Blossom

For a change I could not resist showing this early apricot blossom called "Geisha". It comes out in late May and lasts through to end June. It is most beautifully perfumed and, although I know nothing about Geisha, it seems to be very appropriately named.

Kakehana

Here is another of the pots that were arranged for our joint exhibition in Osaka. Kakehana are often used in the Tea Ceremony and are always arranged very simply. The usual place for hanging the kakehana is on the wooden post at the side of the tokonoma which is a recessed area where a hanging scroll would also be shown. I will post more about Shimisu Kosho soon.