Tenjinsan- market at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto

These are photos taken at a market in Kyoto.
I usually head straight to kimono shops but this time I took some photos of vintage items before buying kimono.

This was actually the first time to visit Tenjin-san market (markets are held on the 25th of each month).
I found this market very interesting.
They sell proper antique stuff as well, but there are many stalls sell affordable vintages & retro items.

Off to Japan

I am going back to Japan from tomorrow 20 Nov. and will be back in 2 month time.
I will re-open my Etsy shop once I arrive in Japan.
I am going to stock up kimono at antique markets and enjoy autumn colours while they last.

The photo was taken at Komyo-in, a sub temple of Tofuku-ji. This garden was designed by my favourite garden designer, Mirei Shigemori.

Japanese film: I wish (奇跡) by Hirokazu Koreeda

This is one of the films selected for Brisbane International Film Festival.
This is lighthearted film about young brothers seperated by parents' divorce dream about reunion.
I enjoyed a lot the witty conversations by real life brothers Koki Maeda and Oshiro Maeda, who works as a professional comedian duo.
All the more, the casts are mostly my favourite actors and actresses.

It's very delightful and uplifting film not just for kids, but also for adults.

Yayoi Kusama- Look now, See Forever exhibition @GOMA, Brisbane

 ↑↓Photos are from GOMA website.

Interactive space where kids can enjoy

Yayoi Kusama's exhibitions at GOMA, Brisbane (admission free. 19Nov 2011-11 March 2012)

We joined the curator's perspective tour this morning, which gave us good understanding about the current exhibiton and the artist itself.

It's a small exhibition but very colourful and fun. It's worth a visit.  

Victorian button necklaces

 I have listed some necklaces composed of antique Victorian buttons, vintage and contemporary components. These are one of a kind necklaces and great for gifts!
Please visit my Etsy site for the details.

Autumn photo clips from Uji

 Uji river in the morning

 My sister and nephew on Asagiri bridge

 Tiny chrysanthemum flowers

Ujigami shrine

 Nanten

 A cat and autumn colours

Daikichi mountain

All these photos were taken in Uji last year (late November). When I visit Kyoto, I usually stay in Uji where my sister's family live.

Uji is not famous for autumn colours, but still lovely place to feel autumn. 

 

New listings: vintage inspired earrings

Thank you for everyone stopping by my stall last Sunday. It was a nice day for it.

I have listed 6 vintage inspired earrings today. All of them are using both vintage and contemporary components, so quite unique. Please visit my Etsy shop for details.

The 15th Japanese film festival: Yamakoshi- The Recovery of a Tiny Japanese Village

Among four films shown during 15th Japanese film festival, hosted by Consulate General of Japan in Brisbane, I instantly thought this was the film I should watch.

Other three films are major films, and I could probably rent DVDs in Japan if I want, but it would be unlikely to have a chance to watch this documentary film if I missed this chance. That's one reason I chose this film. The other reason is that the film is about recovery of a village from The Great Chuetsu Earthquake in Japan, which naturally made me think about the Great East Japan Earthquake in Japan. I wanted to see how people lived on their lives when The Chuetsu Earthquake happened.

I was moved by people's toughness and positive attitude towards the recovery. This beautiful village, set in a deep mountainous area, still keeps old tradition and customs. People help each other in every occasions and they get toghether at various sacred events. One young guy who lives in the village said "It is like a big family. It's great"  I was able to feel the warmth that you wouldn't get in city lives.

This film is highy recommended not just to learn about recovery from the earthquake but to know about Japanese traditional life styles which lost in most parts of Japan.

Official website: 1000年の山古志
Review: Twitch film

Suitcase Rummage this Sunday Nov 6, 2011

Suitcase Rummage this Sunday Nov 6.
This is going to be the last market for me this year, as I am going to Japan for couple of month.

This time, I am selling some Japanese vintage items which I want to find homes for.
Especailly the geisha cup. (Yellow enamel plates are not Japanese vintage)
I sell my kimono creations and original jewellery, too.

Please drop by and say hello.

Unique button necklaces

I have just created these four button necklaces.
These would make great gifts for those who want to be different.
Please check the details on my Etsy site.

Chishaku-in temple, Kyoto

Amazing garden!
Chishaku-in is not one of the major temples for tourists, but if you go to famous Sanjusangendo, then maybe you can visit this temple on the way back. Apart from early April and late November, it is usually quiet. Watching this garden is almost meditative.

This temple has a collection of "Tohaku Hasegawa" screen paintings as well, which is also worth watching.

Felissimo: Old Kutani reproduction plates selected by Alex Kerr

All photos are from Felissimo

It was just yesterday that I found these beautiful mamezara (very small plate dia. 6-10cm) at Felissimo online shopping site.  I thought these patterns were absolutely beautiful. The site said that Alex Kerr had selected Old Kutani designs to be reproduced. I wondered who he was but didn't gooogle him.

Then, today at book sharing club, my friend was introducing his book(日本ブランド」で行こう　Let's go with Japan Brand) to me. What a coincidence!

He is one of the western people who know and care about Japan more than Japanese people.

His other books sound interesting,too: Lost Japan  美しき日本の残像,　Dogs & Demons　「犬と鬼」知られざる日本の肖像 

New meisen kimono corsage necklace- handmade in Brisbane

I have just created these three kimono corsage necklaces. Which one do you like?
Please visit my Etsy site  for details.

Inspiration: Mina Perhonen

Photos from Mina Perhonen official website

I just happened to find   "Mina Perhonen " new book (written in Japanese) at Avid Reader bookshop, West End, in Brisbane.

It's a great book for someone studying textile, fashion, graphic and interior design. Especially thumbnail photos of textiles and patterns at the back are great.

Everything designer Akira Minagawa produces is totally unique. 15 years of his works are packed in one book. Lots of photos and ideas, full of inspiration. Higly recommended.

Vintage meisen kimono silk metal frame bag- handmade in Brisbane

Finally I managed to list some of new bags.
The top two bags are uniquely patched and colour coorinated.
The bottom two are slightly bigger. One is patched vertically.
The other is not patched. The pattern is so unique, I kept it simple.
More details, please visit my Etsy shop.