Japanese lacquer "Urushi"

Dear Friends,

This well-used urushi plate is one of my favorite pieces from my mother's hobby works. It has probably been in use for around 30 years; moreover, it has been my father's favorite as well, and he still uses it on a daily basis. This urushi ware is called, Kamakura-bori, a practical craft with impressive carvings and rich urushi lacquer finishes. 

When I moved to New York, I brought two kaiseki urushi plates made by her to enjoy my meals even very simple dishes like rice, miso soup, and pickles become a feast. Urushi ware is not inexpensive and must be handled carefully all the time. While it may not be practical in our New York busy life, enjoying meals on this plate gives me peaceful enjoyment.

Urushi is a sap from the urushi tree, and although it tends to be considered a very delicate substance, it is a surprisingly durable material. Once urushi is dried out it won't be damaged by any chemicals such as; acid, or alkali alcohol; consequently, if you take good care of it your urushi ware will last for over 100 years. There are historical records that 9000-year-old urushi has been discovered in Japan, which indicates the durability of urushi.

The 30-year-old plate may look a bit worn, however, it becomes more attractive when the top layer wears down and the underneath black layer appears. This beautifully aged urushi ware feels warm to me and this may be the reason it is one of our family's favorite, and it’s heart-warming to see that my father is still using it.  

Another great feature of urushi is that it can be repainted as needed.  A wonderful premise when you purchase and use urushi is that this is something you will use for a long time. The secret of a truly rich life may be to cherish what we use every day.

Love,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

Golden Joinery

Dear Friends;

Since March, we have been living in Kent, CT surrounded by beautiful countryside; however, on the first Sunday in August a big storm hit the northeast. Many areas in CT lost power we were without power for a week, but thanks to a small generator we didn't experience food spoilage. We were without electricity and the Internet, so I found it difficult to exist without power and the Internet. When the power returned I was able to get back to work, but my computer screen went black. Sometimes bad things happen one after another and I had to replace my computer.

I like to use what I love as long as possible, so I was very disappointed.  If I could fix it, I wanted to fix it and use it longer.  I shouldn't emotionally attach to my old computer because electronic appliances are designed just not to last so long, but I don't like that idea. 

This series of events reminded me of an ancient Japanese technique called "kintsugi" which is the opposite of "built-in obsolescence".

Kintsugi is to repair broken ceramics using urushi lacquer dusted with powdered gold. As a philosophy, this method does not disguise the damages but makes it more attractive.  The repair becomes part of the history of the object and it's now considered more beautiful. The gold repair shows that the object was treasured by someone. When my teacup was chipped I asked the kintsugi specialist (https://www.urushi.info/ ) to repair it; consequently, the teacup became special to me and I became even more attached to it.

Today I'm very happy to be using my new computer. I wish I could ask Steve Jobs, who is into Zen culture, what he thinks of kintsugi. Probably he may be interested in this ancient Japanese technique. 

Love,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

Do you really like your teacup?

Dear Friends;

What kind of teacup do you use on a daily basis? Do you really like your teacup, or have you never even thought of it. The New York Times bestseller book The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up written by Marie Kondo states only you can know what kind of environment makes you happy. Your feelings are the standard for decision making – specifically, knowing what sparks joy. 

Today I am introducing my favorite teacup to you. I love it and I've used it for many years. You might look at it and think it's a bit old and worn out, but to me, it becomes more attractive the longer I use it. I use the Japanese term shibui, so please let me explain. You can see the cracking and discoloration at the bottom of the cup. They are formed into patterns called keshiki (景色) which literally means scenery.  Cracking is a state in which the glaze is finely cracked. Depending on the extent of cracking, the color brings out marks. The keshiki didn't exist when the teacup was new. A good comparison is a leather with time leather becomes more glossy and deeper in color. In Japan, they said the keshiki makes you more attached so because of the keshiki  I have grown to love my teacup. 

This particular teacup was created by the ceramic Artist, Kifumi Kawamura. Each piece he makes is original. Every time, I drink tea with this teacup I sense warmth and calmness, so even when I'm busy I can't handle it roughly because it's so special to me.

In fact, ceramics last longer than our lives, especially if we take good care. It gives you a good feeling that you have had your ceramic item for a long time. I feel it's important to surround yourself with things you love and you have had for a long time.

See the picture of my teacup. I requested a larger than normal size, so I could also use it for food. It is perfect for appetizers or desserts, especially matcha ice cream!

You may purchase a similar teacup available in two different sizes. Large 3 3/4” (9.5 cm.) shown and Medium  3 1/4” ( 8 cm.)

Please contact us for more information via the “contact page.” 

Best,

Kumiko

 Edited by Janice Ensminger

Zazen Practice by Zen Master of Engakiji Temple

Dear Friends,

The first part of 2020 seems to have passed so quickly. The lockdown has been a very long time, but it was a good opportunity to face myself. How was it for you? 

It was also a good time to watch the online sermons of Zen Master Nanrei Yokota who is the head priest of Engaku-ji Temple in the historical city of Kamakura. Engaku-ji was founded in 1282 and is the one of most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan.

Zen Master Nanrei Yokota has preached sermons and held Zasen* sessions regularly at the temple for a long time, however, everything has been canceled due to the Covid-19 state of emergency.  In this situation, he has flexibly changed from the conventional way to online. This has also benefited those who are far away. I am one of them. He speaks from a very humble point of view, but friendly and embraces everyone in his sermons. He has integrity and people really respect him. His sermons encourage me and give me peace of mind.

Zen and the Internet really seem to be the opposite, but his strong thoughts get across through the Internet. There are things that don’t change, and there are things that have to change.

Recently his Zazen* practice videos with English subtitles has been released. I would like to share with you.  If you are interested, please check the following links.

Start a Zazen practice 1 –How to cross legs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=778&v=JV_P-mWXPJg&feature=emb_logo

Start a Zazen practice 2 –How to set body

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgvOy1g7OGs&t=24s

Start a Zazen practice 3- How to breathe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymE8nJ_Dga8&t=34s

Start a Zazen practice Full version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syUSkdmvH44&t=10s

Covid-19 is far from over so let's wear face coverings, wash our hands really well, and try to enjoy every day!

Best,

Kumiko

 Zazen* is a meditative discipline that is typically the primary practice of Zen Buddhism.

 Edited by Janice Ensminger

Be here, now.

Dear Friends,

I really hope you and your families are healthy and well. It's already the end of May time passes so quickly it's almost summer, and no matter what happens in the world seasons change anyway.

It seems since the shutdown I have become so easily distracted I am concerned about the future, and I have a tendency to day-dream and think of nothing in particular, so I wonder if this is happening to any of you; as a result, I intentionally try to do the same things every day with the same schedule so that I can pay attention to the result. This limited lifestyle teaches me how important it is to enjoy simple activities of everyday life.

One of my favorite activities is making a bowl of matcha. I prepare a tea bowl by pouring very hot water into the tea bowl and tossing out the hot water now dry the bowl with a cotton cloth, put matcha powder into the tea bowl add hot water, and move very quickly a bamboo whisk back and forth to dissolve and whisk the matcha powder. Now inhale the fragrant matcha. Then carefully pick up the tea bowl with your right hand to place it in the palm of your left hand, and feel the warmth of the tea bowl and appreciate it, rotate it twice clockwise, and drink the matcha. These activities create a soothing effect in me, and a calmness that has become so significant. I do it on a regular basis because it has become so important in my life.

Sometimes our lives are forced to shift to a new normal, which I can understand, but I am not sure how to adapt to. I try and focus on living in the moment with an eye on the future with a strong desire for a new wonderful world.

All the best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

A tiny flower

Dear Friends,

It has been over a month since NYC was on lockdown, and it's not getting any easier to stay positive. I miss seeing the cherry blossoms with my friends. How have you been?

Today I found a tiny flower, which I didn't recognize was humbly blooming near the ground. Perhaps this flower isn't admired it's not like other gorgeous flowers, but it doesn't seem to care at all. It is blooming without any doubts and seems as cheerful as all others. It shows me its pure presence and inspires calmness and warmness in me. This small blossom fills me with peace of mind and tends to overlook our daily busy lives. This may be an opportunity to look at ourselves again.

If we think about it there aren't only bad things happening, so now I have started talking more to my family in Japan. I also talk to my friends, whom I haven't been in contact with for years. It is always fun to talk with friends I could see anytime in NYC. It may have given us time to think about what is important in our lives. Let's continue to stay home, and find something to make us feel better, and let's keep hoping. 

Best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

Magnolia and Kimono

Dear Friends,

I really hope you're all looking after yourselves and loved ones during this challenging situation. Let all of us believe that we will overcome these difficult times.

The one good thing we can consider is that spring, and the blossoming of flowers is alive in NYC. Flowers give us peace of mind.  I have become so aware of the many magnolia trees in Manhattan, and the blossoms are facing up to the sky they are gorgeous and full of vitality.

At this time I would like to share a story about a kimono. A couple of years ago my good friend's mother passed away, as a result, my friend gave me her mother's obi, which is a broad sash of a Japanese kimono. This obi has a hand-drawn magnolia blossom and the magnolia has become one of my favorites. Every time I wear this obi, I think of my friend and her mother. This is probably why I have become so fond of magnolias.

Honestly, when I was young I didn't like kimonos at all, but a few years ago I changed my mind after I was invited to a client's wedding. Actually, they became great friends and their ceremony was being held at their beautiful property in the Canadian mountains. It was a very formal wedding. At first, I wondered what I would wear, but I came up with a wonderful idea.

Many years ago my mother made me some beautiful kimonos and one of them was for a formal occasion. Those kimonos had been sleeping for many years in the kimono chest of drawers at my parents' home. I called my father and asked him to ship the formal one to New York. Imagine this kimono had been made for me twenty-five years ago and had never been worn. This kimono still fits me perfectly.  I realized that the kimono is the ultimate sustainable fashion and I finally grew to love them.

I have since acquired more kimonos. The magnolia obi is one of them. Every time I wear them, I am always thinking of the person who used to wear it, such as my mother, my grandmother, my aunt, friends, and my friend’s mother.

I cherish them and I will probably pass them on someday, but it has to be someone special because the kimono has to be happy too.

Currently, many large cities around the world are on lockdown. Ironically, the air seems cleaner and maybe the earth is happier. This may be a good opportunity to think about our lives. We need to physically keep a social distance, but we shouldn't be isolated. Let's take care of our family, friends, ourselves, and things around us. Please stay healthy.

Best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

Every Day a Good Day!

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Dear Friends,

We tend to feel gloomy these days because it is an uncertain time for everybody. So I would like to share an interesting book. I hope it cheers you up a bit.

“Every Day a Good Day” - This book, originally written in Japanese, was very popular in Japan a few years ago. It became even more recognizable after it was adapted into a movie. I had heard of the book but hadn’t had a chance to read it until last year when I received the book as a Christmas gift.

I have been studying tea ceremonies for a while so when I saw the English subtitle, “Fifteen lessons I learned about happiness from Japanese tea culture”, I became even more intrigued.

The book says, “…. in essence, tea is nothing more than making a single bowl of tea”. That’s true. Can you imagine people spending years learning how to make a single bowl of tea? But that is the truth! I go to class to learn how to serve a bowl of matcha. But the more I learn about the Japanese tea ceremony and its depth, I realize how much more there is to study. Even so, I always feel good after my tea ceremony class.

The popularity of matcha in NYC still surprises me. It started out as a new flavor for beverages.  However, people seem to sense that matcha is not just a drink, but something more profound. This book is translated into English as well as many other languages so that people around the world might begin to feel the mystery of tea. If you are interested, please check it out. There may be different nuances in each language, but this English translation is great. You will find that learning one thing teaches you a lot. Everything is within.  We may not need many things to feel happiness. Please don’t forget to wash your mind as well as your hands!!  Every Day is a Good Day!

Best,

Kumiko

Edited by Mika Sumida