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 December -Kabuki: The popular theatre of Japan
Imagine yourself in a room full of the chattering of voices, the clattering of tea cups to the sound of shamisen, a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument whose name literally means “three flavor strings”, as big drums begin to thunder. In the....read more
November -The legacy of Chinese Dynasties Part II
On last month’s newsletter, we learn about the long history of China and its Dynasties. For centuries, their battles and places have inspired many scholars and writers until today. This month newsletter, we will learn about unique Chinese arts....read more
November - 2010 Holiday Shopping Guide
When it comes to shopping, many of us are still practicing restraint. Impulsive purchases from the nearby mall or retail outlet are increasingly giving way to more cost-conscious spending. While you may need to stretch your budget a little more this.... read more
October -The legacy of Chinese Dynasties Part I
When we think of important Chinese inventions, the first things that come to mind are: gunpowder, paper, and the compass discussed in the travels of Marco Polo. Marco Polo encountered the Chinese culture the first time during the Yuan....read more
September -Tengu, Hyottoko, Tanuki and Other Popular Japanese Folklore Figures
Japan has a rich history of folklore characters that appear in stories, songs, paintings, ceramics and other art forms as people or animals with supernatural or magical qualities. Many Japanese folklore characters are also associated with specific holidays....read more
August -The Beauty of East Asian Writting
When getting acquainted with another country’s culture, the thing that we turn to next to food, is that of the country’s language. Indeed, language is deeply tied to a culture and a people’s identity. In East Asia, the Chinese language, and specifically its written....read more
July - Calligraphy & Sumi-e
Using only a few basic tools that include a brush, ink and paper, the ancient art form of Chinese calligraphy and Japanese sumi-e can be practiced and enjoyed by both masters and novices. The ink brush body is typically made of bamboo, but for those who want top
....read more
June - The Bento Box
An original idea from Japan, the bento box has evolved from a simple lidded container to store one’s Japanese style lunch, to boxes with two or three tiers, which are usually saved for use in celebrations, holidays and special family gatherings. The most expensive of ....read more
May - Japanese Woodblock Printing
Though woodblock printing had already been prevalent in China for centuries, Japan did not widely adopt the technique until the Edo period from 1600 to 1870. Woodblock printing can be compared to the Western method of woodcutting. It begins ....read more
April - Magical Meaning of Cranes
Here in the West, the symbol of the pink or blue crane signifies a new birth; in Asian cultures the elegant crane is a symbol of health and longevity, two of the most precious qualities that we hope to enjoy during our lives. Because of the ....read more
March - Chinese Chop Seal & Ink
Chinese seals have been used for centuries to create impressions with ink. These impressions, often consisting of names or symbols, are used as signatures or marks of authorship in everyday transactions and are deeply engrained in Chinese ....read more
February - Japanese Furoshiki and Noren
The Japanese wrapping cloth or “furoshiki” and the Japanese room divider called the “noren” are two great examples of ancient Japanese innovation and creativity that are not only practical in use, but beautiful in appearance ....read more
January - The Magnificent of Mount Fuji
The highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji has attracted artists, poets, photographers, sightseers, and mountain climbers to gaze at its unusually symmetrical dome. Located just west of Tokyo in Honshu, Japan, Mt. Fuji stands at a grand 12,388 ....read more |
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