Grape Pattern

Dear friends,

A couple of weeks ago we visited a vineyard, which is only about a 30-minute drive from home. We enjoyed the autumn leaves especially around the vineyard and the lake. The colors were so impressive and beautiful.

Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated plants and have been a symbol in many religions since ancient times. In Greece and Egypt grapes symbolized fertility and abundance and were considered a holy fruit. Grapes were introduced from Greece and Egypt to ancient Persia and then to India, where grape patterns were used in the Gandhara Buddhist sculptures. Through India, it was introduced to China.

Eventually, they were brought from China to Japan during the Nara period in the 8th Century. Grape patterns brought in from the West were highly regarded as foreign patterns and became one of the auspicious patterns that represent the abundance of Japanese Buddhist art. Grapes have a familiar existence and have a long history and culture in various places and religions.

Just two years ago I attended a tea ceremony that was held at Tokei-Ji Temple, one of the most famous Zen temples in Kamakura, Japan. A tea caddy patterned with grapes was used for the ceremony.

Actually, the tea caddy was a replica of the holy PYX Communion wafer box in the Catholic Church. The original one was made in the 16th century and stored as an important cultural property in Tokeiji Temple. 

Around that time Japanese lacquerware was highly prized and very popular in Europe and much lacquerware was exported from Japan to Europe.  The lacquerware at that time is called “ Nanban shikki”. The "IHS" logo represents the Society of Jesus and must have been specially made for them because they must have appreciated the high-quality work of Japanese craft.

No one knows why the holy communion wafer box was found in Tokei-Ji Temple. I imagine it traveled beyond time to places and religious churches and temples and returned to Japan, and this fills my heart with love.

Thanksgiving, is just around the corner, so regardless of religion it is a holiday that everyone in the United States celebrates, and they celebrate with wine, so my thoughts and wishes are to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

All the best,

Kumiko 

The First Chestnuts of the Season

Dear friends,

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack frost nipping at your nose.....while chestnuts are being remembered famous Christmas songs they are symbolic of holidays just as mistletoe and holly are; however, in Japan, they are on sale in September and are a very popular seasonal ingredient in autumn.  Traditional Japanese sweet shops sell various sweets made from chestnuts in September and October.   Not only Japanese sweets but also French pastries such as Mont-Blanc are very popular. In the middle of September, my mother always bought the first chestnuts of the season and she cooked the chestnuts with rice on "Respect for the Aged Day." It is one of my favorite autumn dishes that sticky rice mixed with chestnuts. She cooked it for my family, and especially for my grandmother because it was said "life will be prolonged if it is eaten at the first of the season." My grandmother lived to be ninety-six years old. Aside from all superstitions, eating the first of the season is more enjoyable because we feel more gratitude for the harvests of the year.

Yesterday, I finally found the chestnuts at the local supermarket and made traditional Japanese chestnut sweets to enjoy the autumn flavor. Peeling chestnuts is a very tedious process, but I thought about my family memories and savored the beautiful fall season. I wish you all a good season.

All the best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

A Rabbit and the Harvest Moon

Dear friends,

The autumn moonlight is the most beautiful of the year. The brightness of moonlight very often surprises me. There are many Japanese poems called waka that described the beautiful autumn moon. People were probably indulging in many thoughts while looking at the beautiful moon from ancient times.

Japanese people have the custom to enjoy viewing the full moon called otukimi (お月見), literally "moon-viewing," with offerings of rice dumplings to the full moon in appreciation of the harvest of grains. Otukimi includes decorating with silver grass as a charm against evil.  On a quiet night, the people just enjoy viewing the full moon.  They say that on the moon's surface these shadows look like a rabbit making rice cake. 

Tonight, September 21st is the harvest moon this year.  I made a rabbit mochi to enjoy “ moon-viewing” this year and will arrange silver grass at night. I hope we can all enjoy the beautiful full moon this evening.

Best,

Kumiko

How about a Shiso Martini?

Dear  Friends,

Shiso is a Japanese herb that is often served with sashimi, also it can be chopped up and used as a condiment for an assortment of dishes such as cold noodles; maybe some of you have eaten it before. It is one of my favorite Japanese flavors because it is so refreshing and adds an interesting accent to food as basil does to Italian food. Growing shiso is one of my summer pleasures.

Today while harvesting shiso from our garden, I started thinking of my Spanish friend, who recently moved from NY to Australia. She loves the Japanese culture and learned Ikebana, traditional Japanese flower arranging.

I remembered that we often went to Japanese restaurants together, and usually I chose the Japanese restaurant. However, I remember one summer evening she took me to a hidden Japanese restaurant in the East Village. 

It was still bright outside and the bar was very popular so we went in early to avoid the crowd and she ordered her favorite cocktail. The bartender brought her a cocktail with a green shiso leaf in a highball glass. She held out her glass and said "you should try it" I took a sip and to my surprise. I was amazed at how delicious the combination of alcohol and shiso was and decided that it was a perfect drink for a hot summer evening.

Today cocktails with shiso have become popular than before. I will always remember the first time I tried it and my friend, who introduced it to me. I wonder if she still enjoys Japanese flavors in Australia. I feel like having the cocktail tonight. How about a Shiso Martini?

All the best,

Kumiko 

Edited by Janice Ensminger

The Milky Way - Star Festival "Tanabata"

Dear friends,

Today, July 7th is a special day in Japan, because people celebrate the Star Festival called "Tanabata." There is a very romantic story affiliated with this festival: if the sky is clear on that night two lovers can only see each other once a year across the milky way. This story originated in China and the legend was introduced to Japan in the 8th century and continued until today. 

When I was working as a lighting designer a long time ago, my former French boss came to my desk and said, "Do you know Tanabata? It is such a very romantic story! I want to use this story as a concept of a new project".

Once upon a time, there was a daughter of the sky king "Orihime," the star of Vega; she was a beautiful young weaver girl. A young cowhand boy named "Hikoboshi," the star of Altair lived across the river. When they met for the very first time they fell in love instantly and from then on they had so much fun being together that they got married. They were so much in love that they stopped working hard and the king grew very angry and put them back on opposite sides of the river. Orihime cried and cried, so the king felt sorry for them and allowed them to see each other once a year across the Milky Way on the night of July 7th. 

On July 7 the people of Japan write their wishes on colorful strips of paper and tie them on bamboo branches to celebrate the lovers' reunion. This decoration reminds me of when I was a child and when I wrote my wishes every year.

Going back to the lighting project topic, unfortunately, the couple who were our clients broke up and the project ended without completion. Their real-life was not the same as the legendary romantic story.

Anyway, this year I chose star-shaped Japanese sweets for matcha to hope for clear skies so that the lovers in the sky can see each other on the Milky Way. May everyone's wishes come true.

All the best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

June "Minazuki"

Dear friends,

Early in June my friends and I had a picnic in Central Park. We were all looking forward to trying a sushi bento box that we would purchase from a new sushi market adjacent to a high-end sushi restaurant in Manhattan. One of my friends stated she would bring Japanese sweets and matcha and she said "let’s have sweets after we have sushi." I thought what a great idea we could have an open-air tea ceremony. We hadn't seen each other for almost a year and a half, so we were looking forward to the day.

The day arrived and she brought a homemade Japanese sweet called "Minazuki," which is another name for June in Japanese. Since last June I craved this delicacy so much, so the minute I saw it I expressed my happiness by saying very loud "Minazuki."

Minazuki originally came from Kyoto, and it is eaten on June 30th to pray for good health for the second half of the year. I enjoyed this sweet the first time in my early twenties, however, I wasn't impressed at all because I felt it wasn't visually appealing. After I moved to NY I missed traditional Japanese sweets, so I started making my own. The recipe for Minazuki is simple but I was not successful, consequently, I have been looking forward to this June after failing last June. 

While talking about such things, we really enjoyed having sweets, making matcha for each other, and being surrounded by beautiful green trees and grass.   Children were laughing and running around while young people were playing games. It was a very peaceful day, so much different from a year ago.   I find the taste and appearance of food are important, but the memories associated with the food make me more fond of it. This picnic made "Minazuki" even more memorable Japanese sweets for me. I wish you good health for the rest of 2021.

All the best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

A fragrant breeze

Dear friends,

The definition of the Japanese word kunpū (薫風), used particularly in May, means a fragrant breeze in English. The first time I learned this word was at a tea ceremony class a long time ago; somehow, the word consists of two kanji characters that was very impressive to me because of its intricate appearance and pleasant sound. The term kunpū refers to a balmy breeze that brings new green leaves that are really fragrant in early summer. So every time I see or hear the word kunpū, it's as though I can smell young green leaves blowing into the beautiful blue sky. The breeze is invisible, but we can feel it, and imagine its fragrance when we inhale the fresh air.

Personally, I feel the month of May is one of the best seasons in NYC. The cold winter is finally over and the weather is beautiful every day, which gives me a very positive feeling. Please enjoy the fragrant breeze.

All the best,

Kumiko

 Edited by Janice Ensminger

Spring colors

The spring mountains in the countryside of Japan west of Tokyo.

Dear friends,

My friend sent me a beautiful picture of the spring mountains in the countryside of Japan west of Tokyo. The cherry blossoms seem to have passed their peak there. The trees have begun to sprout new leaves, and are gradually changing their colors from light pink to tender green. We can enjoy the spring color change until all the trees are completely covered by new green leaves. 

Many traditional Japanese colors are named after elements in nature such as: very pale pink “cherry blossoms (桜)”, slightly purplish soft pink “pale red plum blossoms (薄紅梅)”, yellowish light green “new leaves (若葉)”, slightly bluish light green “young bamboo (若竹)”, and grayish brownish green “warblers (鶯)”. These are the colors of the mountains. These are not vivid colors, but slightly grayish and ambiguous ones with nuances which may be a result of the seasonal humid air in Japan. I recently made a traditional Japanese sweet using these spring colors. It is called “ukishima (浮島)” which is a sponge cake made with white beans.

A Japanese sweet “ukishima” with matcha

I have seen that cherry blossoms are fully blooming now in Washington DC, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, as well as in Central Park in NYC. So please enjoy various appearances of cherry blossoms.

All the best,

Kumiko

Spring arrival

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

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

All the best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

Japan Today's article

Dear friends,

We would like to share Japan Today’s article on Kamakura-bori at the Japan Society virtual exhibition. 
Please check from: https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/an-art-progression-from-buddhist-carving-to-urushi-ware-kamakura-bori 

Best,

Kumiko

My friend is on the Japan Times!

Dear friends,

I am very happy to find an article about my friend at The Japan Times. I met Hannah at my friend's party and we became friend. Now she found her great life in Japan. Congratulations Hannah!

Best,

Kumiko

Winter matcha tea bowl

Dear friends,

There is a lot of snow this winter, and the snow seems to cover everything in, Kent, the small cute town where I currently live. I haven't lived in the country for a long time and I'm discovering new things in nature. The other day, during a snowstorm, I saw many turkeys in the trees they can't walk in all that snow so they stay in the trees. I was a little envious of the turkeys because they have the ability to fly away any time they want. I guess I'm tired of staying in all the time, so I am wondering how people lived in the old days during these harsh winters.

I started thinking of a special matcha tea bowl used for the Japanese tea ceremony during the cold season. It has a cylindrical shape with a greater depth than other bowls, which keeps the tea warmer than other bowls. It was created by our ancestors due to their wisdom and compassion when there were no heating systems. Every time, I use the winter bowl I have warm thoughts about how the tea ceremony made us think of what made our lives rich in true meaning. Today we have everything we need and there is no reflection on anything while drinking tea. Today may be a good time to think of such things while drinking our tea during this cold winter and soon winter will be over.

Edited by Janice Ensminger

A Happy New Year 2021!

Dear friends,

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year 2021! This is a new year, and a new beginning. The things will change.

Japan is now in the Reiwa (令和) era, which translates to “Beautiful Harmony” in English. It is such a beautiful name.  This year, 2021 is Reiwa 3.

The two kanji characters of Reiwa were chosen from the Manyoshu (万葉集), which is the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry compiled in late 8th century. At the beginning of Reiwa era, the former Prime minister said the Reiwa represents “people are coming together in harmony, creating and nurturing our culture.”

I hope that we will remember the meaning of Reiwa and that the year of 2021 will be a year of beautiful harmony in the world.

All the best,

Kumiko

Japanese architectural craft approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

I would like to share wonderful news! Their work is really incredible . We must pass it onto the next generation.

A Grape Leaf-Shaped Plate

View fullsize

Dear friends,

New York City has shut down indoor dining again, we have to cook at home most of time. People are probably tired of cooking and eating at home every day. I really hope the pandemic will be over soon.

Today I have a suggestion that may change your perspective. There is a word  "tableware is clothes of food.” This is the opinion of Rosanjin Kitaoji who was one of the most famous ceramic artists in Japan. His words show how important tableware was to him. He was so particular that he even started making his own tableware to enjoy his cooking more. I agree with what he said.

For example, if you are served a great food on a plastic plate, can you fully enjoy the meals?  On the other hand, no matter how simple the dishes, if it is served on beautiful plates, it would be feast for you. My suggestion is to find your favorite tableware and use it in your daily life. It will change your mood and make your meal at home more special.

My recent favorite is to use the grape leaf shaped-kamakurabori plate for finger foods when I enjoy a glass of wine.  It looks like it's made of metal, but it is actually made of wood.  After applying urushi many times, sprinkle pewter on the surface. Therefore, it is surprisingly lightweight.  It feels like I am at an elegant bar.  Urushi is a durable material, it can be gently washed with dish soap.

Small things can change your life. Everyday will be a good day for you!

All the best,

Kumiko

It is available to purchase from our online store .

"Beautiful Harmony" - Reiwa sakecup

Dear friends,

 There's only one month left in 2020, and it has passed so quickly, however, memories from earlier this year seemed to have happened such a long time ago. I'm wondering if you feel the same way?

I've already forgotten that a new era, Reiwa (令和), started in Japan almost a year and a half ago. Reiwa, in English, means "beautiful harmony". It is such a beautiful name and this is what's expected for the future. Unfortunately, it has been a challenging year, consequently, it was difficult to express it as a "beautiful harmony."

The Reiwa sake cup was created by the ceramic artist Kifumi Kawamura to celebrate the Reiwa emperor's birthday for the first time on February 23 of 2020. We finally begin to feel hopeful around this time of the year, so Ki-Chu New York starts selling the Reiwa sake cup which will bring "beautiful harmony" to you. This sake cup is limited and made exclusively for Ki-Chu New York. It makes a great gift for family member, friends, or even yourself.

 PLEASE GO TO: https://www.kichuny.com/new-products/sake-cup-m-ftfj3

If you have any questions, please contact me anytime.  

I wish your future will be filled with "beautiful harmony."

With Love,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Esminger

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

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

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

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