Tuesday, February 23, 2010

History of Japanese Art of tea ceremony 2

Japanese Art of tea ceremony
Japanese Art of tea ceremony
Japanese Art of tea ceremony

Feudal government in Japan is the protector of the flow of the tea ceremony, so that the financial difficulties hit the flow of the tea ceremony after the dissolution of feudal government in the early Meiji era. The loss of financial aid from the feudal government eventually replaced by successful entrepreneurs such as Takashi Masuda and act as a protector of the flow of the tea ceremony.

In the year 1906, the famous painter named Okakura Tenshin (Kakuzo) published a book called The Book of Tea in the United States. Entering the early 20th century, the term sado or chadō began widely used in conjunction with the term cha no yu or Chanoyu.

Monday, February 22, 2010

History of Japanese Art of tea ceremony 1


In the early Edo period, tea ceremony master largely composed of the daimyo and limited as a very wealthy merchant. Entering the mid-Edo period, the urban population already economically successful middle class and form of the gang into a tea enthusiasts.

Among city residents interested in learning the tea ceremony was greeted with open arms by the flow Sansenke (three flow Senke: Omotesenke, Urasenke and Mushanokōjisenke) and fractional flow Senke.

The popularity of the tea ceremony led to the number of students became more and more that needs to be regulated by a system. Iemoto seido is born of regulatory requirements set hierarchy between teachers and students in the traditional arts of Japan.

Joshinsai (teacher-generation Omotesenke flow 7) and Yūgensai (teacher-generation Urasenke stream 8) and a senior student named Joshinsai Kawakami Fuhaku (Edosenke first generation) and then introduce a new method of learning the tea ceremony, called Shichijishiki. The tea ceremony can be learned by many students together with Shichijishiki method.

Various streams of tea trying to attract the interest of all people to learn the tea ceremony, so the tea ceremony has become popular throughout Japan. The tea ceremony is increasingly popular among the people is also an adverse impact on the tea ceremony which began seriously do not like playing.

At the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, perfecting principle Naosuke Ii Ichigo ichie (one life one chance). At this time, the tea ceremony which is now known as sado successfully enhanced by the addition of a real systematic procedures such as otemae (preparation techniques, penyeduhan, serving tea) and each school to set the basic style and abstract philosophy.

Entering the end of the Edo period, the tea ceremony matcha enhanced use of samurai became unpopular among the public because of the rigid etiquette. Society generally wants a tea that can be enjoyed with more ease. At that time, people began paying attention to the ordinary sencha tea enjoyed everyday. Tea ceremony which use also began sencha desirable people. Based on the request of many, Baisaō priest who is also known as Ko flow Yūgai create a tea ceremony with sencha (Senchadō) which became established and popular in literary circles.

Art of tea ceremony

Art of tea ceremony

Art of tea ceremony requires deepening over the years with improvements that last a lifetime. Guests are invited to a formal tea ceremony also had to learn manners, habits, politeness, etiquette and enjoy tea snacks served.

In general, the tea ceremony using matcha powder tea made from green tea are ground smooth. The tea ceremony is called matcha matchadō use, whereas when using a type of sencha green tea called senchadō.

Tea is not just poured with hot water and drunk, but as art in the broadest sense. The tea ceremony reflects the personality and knowledge covering a host of other life goals, ways of thinking, religion, appreciation of the tea ceremony equipment and how to put art in the tea ceremony room (chashitsu) and the general knowledge of art that depends on the flow tea ceremony that followed.

Japanese Tea ceremony

Japanese Tea ceremony

The tea ceremony is a traditional ritual in the Japanese society serve tea to guests. In ancient times called Chato or cha no yu. The tea ceremony is held outside the room called nodate.

The specially prepared by people who study the art of tea ceremony and enjoyed a group of guests at a special room for tea called chashitsu. The host is also responsible for preparing a pleasant situation for guests such as choosing a mural (kakejiku), flowers (chabana), and a ceramic bowl in accordance with the seasons and the status of an invited guest.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Japanese Sword from Late Kamakura

samurai-japan
Late Kamakura

Tachi at the end of the Kamakura period have developed into magnificent Sword. There are two types: one is wide throughout its length and the point section is the same as mid- Kamakura period kissaki, but slightly extended. The other is quite slender and similar in appearance to the late Heian, early Kamakura shapes. However, when you look further along the blade the shape has changed; the curvature has moved further along the blade. During this period notare-gunome hamon appeared. It is said that in Sagami province Goro Nyudo Masamune perfected the production of nie-deki blades.

Japanese Sword from Mid-Kamakura

Samurai-japan
Mid-Kamakura

At the zenith of the warrior class’s power during the Kamakura period, the blade’s kasane becomes thick, the mihaba becomes wide and they take on magnificent tachi shape. There is not much difference between the size of the moto-haba and the saki-haba. The blade still has koshi-zori, but the center of the curvature has moved further along the blade. The kissaki has become a compact chu-kissaki (ikubi). The hamon has developed into a flowing gorgeous choji-midare. Also around this time, tanto production appears.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Japanese Sword Late Heian to Early Kamakura


From the late Heian period and the early Kamakura period (1185-1333) we can see the Japanese sword as we know it: shinogi-zukuri (ridgeline) construction, with a wide base, narrowing acutely towards the small point section (ko-kissaki). They are quite slender blades with the curvature concentrated between the handle and base. This shape is called koshi-zori. From midway towards the point there is very little curvature. These blades are usually around 2.5-6 shaku in length (75.8 cm-78.8 cm)

Firearms Japanese Army during World War II

During World War II, Japan has a military movement in occupied territory from China to Southeast Asia in the period December 1941 until around March 1942 with the entry of Japan marked the capitulation of Java and the Dutch East Indies to Japan.

But what is the secret behind your success? Because senjatakah advantage? I do not know, because it was the weapon used by the Japanese army at that time was the same weapon as they defeated the Russian army in 1905.

Apparently, the secret is the chrysanthemum symbol printed on each gun, so the Japanese soldiers burned the spirit to sacrifice themselves on the battlefield.
Below are interesting documentary about it, please enjoy ...

Jõkotõ (Jokoto)

Jõkotõ (Jokoto)

Before 987, examples of Japanese swords are straight chokuto or jokoto and others with unusual shapes. In the Heian period (8th to 11th centuries) sword making developed through techniques brought over from China through trade in the early 10th century during the Tang Dynasty and through Siberia and Hokkaido, territory of the Ainu people.

Jõkotõ are straight Japanese swords with no curvature. They are usually constructed in the hira-zukuri and kiriha-zukuri styles. It is] thought that the shift from straight blades to Japanese swords with curvature happened around the mid to late Heian period (794-1184). This was during the mid 10th century: about the time Taira Masakado and Fujiwara Sumitomo rebelled against the government in the Johei (931-938) and Tengyo (938-947) eras. Blades before these are continental style blades called jõkutõ, and were brought to Japan from the Asian continent.
Examples of theseJapanese swords have been excavated from Kofun period tombs, and some still reside in the Shosoin Imperial Repository, Nara

The Japanese Sword; Historical Changes in Shape

japanese sword
1. Jõkotõ (Chokutõ) Ancient and Heian period
2. Late Heian to Early Kamakura
3. Mid-Kamakura
4. Late Kamakura
5. Nanbokucho
6. Early Muromachi
7. Late Muromachi
8. Aizuchi-Momoyama
9. Mid-Edo
10. Edo period Genroku era
11. Edo, Bakamatsu
12. Meiji and onwards

Ame no nuhoko

Ame no nuhoko

Ame no nuhoko or called "heavenly jewelled spear" is the name given to the naginata in Japanese mythology that is used to improve the ancient land mass, Onōgoro-shima, from the sea. According to Kojiki, the gods Izanagi and Izanami are responsible for creating the first ground. To help them do this, they were given a naginata decorated with jewels, named Ame-no-nuboko. The two deities then went to the bridge between heaven and earth, Ame-no-ukihashi ( "floating bridge of heaven"), and churned the sea below with naginata. When the drops of salty water fell from the end, they formed the first island, Onōgoro-shima. Izanagi and Izanami then descended from the bridge of heaven and make their homes on the island.

Kanji characters used in American-no-nuboko in correctly pronounce ame-(no)-Numa-hoko, with Numa means "Marsh, swamp, or bog". This will be translated as "heavenly spear swamp".

Kusanagi no Tsurugi

Kusanagi no Tsurugi
Kusanagi no Tsurugi is a legendary Japanese sword that is important for the history of Japan and is just as important as the history of the sword Excalibur for the British people, and is one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan.
Kusanagi no Tsurugi was originally called Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi ( "Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven") but his name later changed to become more popular Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi ( "Grass Cutting Sword").

Tonbogiri

Tonbogiri-Traditional Japanese Weapon

One of three legendary spears created by renowned gunsmith, Masazane. This spear is said in the hold and used by the Honda Tadakatsu. Spear name comes from the myth that there is a dragonfly landed on the blade and immediately cut in half. So Tonbo (Japanese for "dragonfly") and giri (Japanese for "cutting"), this spear's name translates as "Dragonfly Cutter / Cutting Spear / Saw Dragonflies".

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Clothing used by the ninja in the museum Iga-ryu Ninja



Mizugumo or shoes for moving over the water and special shoes to climb the wall

typical ninja weapons Kusarigama

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Ninja comes from China

Ninja comes from China

Ninja comes from China which then traveled to Japan during the Tang Dynasty. The Japanese developed Ninja martial arts, by creating a deadly killer, who can sneak in without being detected and then strike suddenly.

The origin of the ninja is not clear and difficult to ascertain. Historically, they have approximately the 14th century. In a detailed written record of the ninja activities that they are also known as shinobi "experts in the field gathering information," or "master of disguise and move quietly" that can penetrate enemy territory to observe every move and obtain confidential information without being detected. In the Sengoku period (Japanese wartime in the 15th century - 17), mercenaries and spies for the rent comes from the Iga and Koga in Japan, and from this clan and a lot of knowledge about the ninja is inferred.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Taiyaki-Japanese snack food

Taiyaki-Japanese snack foodTaiyaki-Japanese snack food
Taiyaki-Japanese snack food
Taiyaki-Japanese snack food

Taiyaki:
Taiyaki is Japanese cakes shaped like a fish, and dough made from flour baked, then filled with red bean paste.
Taiyaki was first discovered in Japan in 1909, when one of the shops in the city of Minato, Tokyo, began to sell it, which is Naniwaya Souhonten store.

Taiyaki (鯛 焼き) is a Japanese cake shaped like a fish. This can be likened to pancakes or a waffle-shaped ... Taiyaki itself has a content of red bean paste made from sweetened azuki beans, Taiyaki can have other content that could lagy custard, chocolate, and cheese ..

Taiyaki is made of waffle batter is poured into a fish-shaped building. The contents included before finally ready Taiyaki baking. Then baked from both sides until they become golden brown color ..

Taiyaki was first created in the sweetshop "Naniwaya" in Tokyo in 1909 ... But right now Taiyaki can be found all over Japan, at the supermarket, and a very sure to find a festival in Japan "Matsuri" (祭

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese food

Okonomiyaki-Japanese food
Okonomiyaki-Japanese food

Okonomiyaki:
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese food with ingredients flour diluted with water or dashi, plus cabbage, eggs, seafood or pork and fried on a flat pan called Teppan.

In Japanese, okonomi means "love-love" (which is preferred, desired) and yaki means "grilled" (the term "fried" is only used in Japan when foods are fried in oil very much). As the name implies, the top layer (topping) can be adjusted to Okonomiyaki tastes of people who want to eat.

Dorayaki

Dorayaki
Dorayaki

Dorayaki:
Dorayaki a cake that comes from Japan. Dorayaki belong to the category of traditional Japanese cake (Wagashi) that looks a bit chubby round, consisting of two pieces of cake are held together with red bean paste. Dorayaki has a soft texture similar to Japanese cake called Kastela for dough containing honey.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Dango

Dango-japanese foods, Japanese snack food,
Dango-japanese foods, Japanese snack food,

Dango:
Dango is a Japanese cake shaped like a round little ball, and matured in a way steamed or boiled in water. Dango dough made from rice flour with water diulen or hot water. Kushidango is the name for a number of 3, 4, or 5 points Dango who stabbed into one with a puncture (Kushi) from bamboo. The number of grains in a single puncture Dango depends on the region in Japan.

Dango is a sweet made by adding sugar to the mixture, while Dango is not dipped in sweet sauce. Dango can also be eaten with a sprinkling of soy powder (kinako), inserted into the mitsumame (agar-agar is eaten with various canned fruit) or red bean paste is diluted with water. Apart from rice flour, Dango can also be made from flour or millet flour.

Takoyaki is a Japanese snack food

Takoyaki
Takoyaki

Takoyaki:
Takoyaki is a Japanese snack food that is made traditionally used by Japanese families in a home. First made by the store Tomekichi Endo called Aizu in Osaka.

Baso round like, because it is also called Japanese grilled baso (tako = octopus; yaki = grilled) as a way of making fried in oil is not a lot, but baked in a mold half circles then inverted so that the shape of turning full circles.
Takoyaki is delicious eaten hot directly or as a side dish with rice. When in a state of cold, Takoyaki is more dense and chewy like a meatball

Monday, February 1, 2010

Kimono History

Kimono History

Kimono, not under the influence of traditional Korean clothes. However, the kimono took inspiration from traditional Chinese clothes, "Hanfu" (Hanfu = han (han tribe) fu (clothing) -> tribal clothing hanfu = han). Modern kimono as we see today has come to be seen since the Heian period (c. 800).

Kimono usually made from Japanese silk-print in the technique "Yuzen". "Yuzen" printing technique that is repeated - so, pattern of the kimono is actually diulang2 (a kind monogram). Many people who think that the kimono is a kimono is painted and it contains a painting, but sebenernya wrong.

According to some sources, Kimono in the ancient times to be released parts per part for washing and sewn and spliced back time would be used, but the times have been eliminated this requirement.


Kimono for men there is also something for the ladies

Iromuji is semiformal kimono

kimono-Iromujikimono-Iromuji

Iromuji is semiformal kimono types that can be a formal kimono if it has the crest (Kamon''''). Coat's family consists of one place, three places, or five places (the back, the arms, and the chest) after the level of formality Kimono. Materials for Kimono Iromuji types generally do not print and the pink, light blue, pale yellow or soft colors of the other. Worn at a wedding or a tea.