New listings: Japanese kanzashi sticks

I have listed these beautiful kanzashi sticks.
Please check details at my Etsy shop.

The parcel has arrived

I am finally back in Brisbane and has started making new items.

The parcel from Japan packed with kimono and obi fabrics has arrived a few days ago.

There are too many things I want to make and I am not sure where to start...

The pink obi sash with bird and flower pattern is one of my favourite.

What should I make with this?



Hasegawa (ceramic store)- Heaps of dead stock rice bowls!

This is the shop near Karasuma Oike station in Kyoto I bumped into the other day.
I remembered reading about this store in a magazine a while ago, but completely forgotten.
I don't need any more rice bowls, but I couldn't resist as they were so cheap.
I also bought some sake cups to make kimono pin cushions.

Hasegawa
Corner of Ebisugawa & Aino Machi street, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto city Tel:075-231-0503

Natural plant dyeing lecture presented by Tezomeya

↑↓ Photos are from Tezomeya website

 Collaboration T-shirt with Salvia

Sairinkan at Muromachi Nijo, Kyoto where the lecture was held

I went to listen to the lecture on natural plant dyeing organized by Kyoto Karasuma University.

Tezomeya, based in Kyoto, produces beautiful clothing and accessories using natural plant dyes. Mr. Aoki, an artist/owner of the shop talked about the process of natural dyeing, plants he uses, the reason he started his business, how he attracted by natural dyeing and more. It was a really interesting talk. I was fascinated by the nuanced colour products he makes. I do love to try natural dying myself one day as a hobby.

Hokusai Ukiyoe exhibition @ Museum Eki Kyoto (JR Kyoto Isetan)

I went to an amazing "Hokusai" ukiyoe exhibition last week held at museum Eki Kyoto in JR Kyoto Isetan.
This exhibition celebrate the 250th anniversary of Hosai's birth, showing over 150 Hokusai's ukiyoe prints featuring Mt. Fuji. It's rare exhibition only focouses on Hokusai's Mt. Fuji prints.

I thought I have already seen quite a few ukiyoe paintings, but most paintings were new to me. It was really amazing to see his unique and diverse ways to draw Mt. Fuji. The one at JR Kyoto Isetan has already finished but there will be a different Hokusai ukiyoe exhibition at The Museum of Kyoto from 1st Feb.to 25th Mar. 2012.

Lots of goldfish!

 Photos were taken at Konya, Yamatokoriyama city, Nara

Enjoy Kingyo (goldfish) world!

 

Retro building in Gojo rakuen, Kyoto

These photos are taken near Gojo Kawaramachi, Kyoto.
This area is called Gojo rakuen, which flourished as a red-light district a while ago.
There are some architecutually interesting buildings around here.
I will upload more photos later.

Nishi Honganji, Kyoto

Amidado gate

Inside Amidado

Karamon

I just happened to know that parts of Nishi Honganji (Shoin, Hiunkaku, Kyodo),which usually closed, were open to public (free of charge) during the memorial service for Shinran Shoin. Taking photos of those buildings were not allowed, so no photos to show you, but the interior of Shoin building was one of the most exquisite things I have ever seen. Here are some links of the rooms: Taimenjo, Kari no ma, Kiku no ma, Shiro shoin

The photos I uploaded here are the ones of Amidado and Karamon.

Karamon was truly amazing. I stayed in front of the gate for a long time to see all the details.

Indigo dyeing- Hakomotokan "Konya", Yamato Koriyama city

A Happy New Year!! 　遅くなりましたが明けましておめでとうございます。

I visited Koriyama city in Nara a few days ago. My sister gave me a left over Seishun 18 kippu. I decieded to go somewhere I had never been but not too far away, so I chose Koriyama where my friend Momo san is from. I missed the chance to visit while she was there, but I managed to visit. I loved Hakomotokan "Konya" and beautiful indigo dyed fabrics.

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.