In Praise of Shadows " Japanese traditional aesthetics and culture "

 

There are shadows to the same extent as light. Humans may only see the light side.

Japanese culture and traditions have valued shadows.

But it can be hard to feel.

Maybe you know little of the shadow side. It can't be helped. 

　The beauty of the contrast has been adopted for interior decoration.

　The constant change gives deep interest for a one-day flow.

　Reflection. Fusion. Mixture.

　Clay wall, Wooden floor, and Wooden pillar.

　Long time and space melts in them.

　Transmission. Convergence. Dimness.

　Hope to be prolonged from darkness, ... returned in the shadow again.

　At the same time, limited life time.

　The contradiction will continue like ripples...

　********************************************

　In Praise of Shadows " 陰翳礼讃 : In'ei Raisan "

　It is an essay on Japanese aesthetics by the Japanese author and novelist Jun'ichirō Tanizaki.

　

The video below is a documentary about " In Praise of Shadows ". 

Produced by Japan's national broadcaster (NHK). 

Worth watching if you want to understand the spirit of Japanese culture.

Sublime beauties and works of art will appear.

Copyright prevents me from displaying it here. Please pardon.

" Festival " Japanese calligraphy

 

　　"祭" (sai, matsuri). It is translated as sacrifice to, ceremonial, festival, etc.

　　This character is written by Kanzi, Semi-cursive script.

　　Etymology :　Ideogrammic compound

　　⺼ (meat) 　+　 手 (hand)　 +　 示 (ceremony)

　　The sound of these words is good for Japanese summer season.

　　Cheer is remembered by itself.

Kyoto Gion Festival, Welcome lanterns, 

Mikoshi washing ceremony ( July 10, 2023 )

 Japan's three major festivals, 

Kyoto dance entertainment dedication, 

Yasaka Shrine → Shijo Street → Kawaramachi

Before the departure of the Yamaboko Junko of the Gion Matsuri ( 2023.7.17 )

Miyabikai Misendo Yasaka Shrine Maiko and Geisha

Kuze Komagata Chigo "Ceremony of Shrine Attendance"

Festival departure

Night view of festival

Traditional summer festivals are held all over the country.

" ZEN " Japanese calligraphy

 

　　　　"禪" (zen). It is translated in ZEN.