kamakurabori

Spring arrival by Kumiko Jitsukawa

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Dear friends,

Although there still snow on the ground in Kent CT, I feel the spring air coming on. The sun is brighter and it rises earlier, and also I hear the birds singing.

Many people are waiting for spring flowers to bloom. Speaking of spring flowers, first I can imagine cherry blossoms.  When feeling a sign of spring, I always become craving a Japanese sweet called sakura-mochi, which is one of the most popular spring confections in Japan. It contains rice cake made from sticky rice flour with red bean paste inside it's wrapped in a salty leaf picked from a cherry blossom tree, which smells fragrant like the cherry blossom leaves. Sakura-mochi is only available in the spring, which make me want it more. 

You can purchase sakura-mochi at Japanese sweet shops even in NYC so I urge you try this you will enjoy it. I used to make Sakura-mochi, however, I have been unable to get the ingredients here locally this year.

Sakura-mochi

Sakura-mochi

Simply said the Japanese culture savors all the changes in the seasons. In Japan, people enjoy the seasons not only with food but also poetry and kimono. Seasonal ones are more luxurious than anything else, as we can only be used at that particular time. Seasons are changing anyway. Each moment is different so we should cherish each encounter. It would be wonderful if I could make matcha for you using such a tea caddy pictured below to celebrate the arrival of spring together. I really hope such a day will come very soon.

Kamakura-bori (Sakura floating in the waves) by Hakkodo

Kamakura-bori (Sakura floating in the waves) by Hakkodo

All the best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

An Art Progression from Buddhist Carving to Urushi ware, Kamakura-bori by Kumiko Jitsukawa

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We are very pleased to announce the virtual exhibition “An Art Progression from Buddhist Carving to Urushi ware” at the Japan Society. We hope you will enjoy the virtual exhibition.

https://www.japansociety.org/page/programs/talks/kanagawa/virtual-exhibition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IKjjNyPk9I&feature=emb_logo 


Kamakura-bori by Hakkodo by Kumiko Jitsukawa

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Dear friends,

Last month I talked about my mother's hobby the Kamakura-bori tray in this newsletter. Kamakura-bori is commonly known as a slightly masculine style of craft; so if you're familiar with the conventional pieces, you may not think this plate is genuine Kamakura-bori. Please observe that all the lines extending toward the inside are very straight and meet beautifully in the center of the piece. The design is sharp, delicate, and modern; moreover, it still keeps the impression of bold strength typical of Kamakura-bori.  This is made by Hakkodo which is the oldest store of Kamakura-bori.

Many people are not aware that Kamakura-bori originated from Buddhist sculptors 800 years ago when Zen Buddhism was first introduced to Japan from China. Next month the virtual exhibit, "An Art Progression from Buddhist Carving to Urushi ware, Kamakura-bori" will be held at the Japan Society. You will learn about history and how to survive through turbulent times. I benefited immensely from this history and it helped me through the challenge while I was working on this exhibit. We may all be encouraged by this history that helped so many through difficult times similar to what we are now experiencing in our society. This will soon be announced. Please stay tuned.

Best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger