News & Seasons Greeting (Nouvelles)


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Greetings! A Happy New Year 2020!!

posted Jan 29, 2020, 12:44 AM by ETSUKO Ito


Seasons Greetings

posted Jan 3, 2018, 10:47 PM by ETSUKO Ito

Greetings from Lotus  - May this New Year brings you joy and happiness!


From KINSAI Kiln Of Arita Ware - A Fabulous Sets Of Teacups On Sale!

posted Aug 31, 2017, 9:45 PM by ETSUKO Ito

 
Japan Traditional Crafts 
Arita and Imari Ware 

 KINSAI FUJII who is one of the most creative artists of Aritayki (Arita-style ceramic art) create a set of teacups for a memento or good gift.   Good to have the option of  insert name or any preferable sentence written on the wooden gift box. 

In NY, at J+B shop our tea bowls and Nosaku Tin tableware had been displayed

posted Oct 17, 2016, 2:36 AM by ETSUKO Ito

Last year our contract has been terminated, however, the owner kept selling our products until now. This time is the last occasion - we appreciate their cooperation!



★Kimono De Nara★ Tours & Activities - Focuing On "Nara Deer Park" In This Summer

posted Jul 12, 2016, 9:32 PM by ETSUKO Ito   [ updated Jul 25, 2016, 12:04 AM ]

In the early eigth century, learnt from the capital city of China, Chang'an (later name Xi'an, Shaanxi province), Nara was settled as established Japan’s ancient capital "Heijokyo", forming an important foundation for the nation and its culture; where six temples and shrines, the Heijo Palace ruins, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest have been designated World Heritage Sites at present time.  Kimono De Nara is focusing on the Nara Park to hold various kinds of experiences for people came from abroad in this summer.  For details, please visit our website : http://kimono-nara.lotus-worldex.com/

Saumurai Sword & Tango no Sekku (Boy's day) Part. I

posted May 8, 2016, 9:42 PM by ETSUKO Ito   [ updated May 8, 2016, 9:47 PM ]

"Tango-no Sekku (May 5th)" is a holiday in Japan as known as "Boy's day". 

Tango-no Sekku was one of Sekku days.　It can be traced back to the Chinese tradition of exorcism.　The word itself  means "the first horse day of the month" of lunar calendar according to the theory of Yin-Yang and the five elements or the zodiac signs.  May was considered to be a month of evil presage, once again according to the ancient Chinese thoughts. In ancient China, it is said that people tried to expel evil spirits and protect themselves from bad luck on lunar May 5th that Japanese take in this customs.

This year in Nara, there are several festivals and event held on this day.  At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, 'Kagura' - the dance dedicated to the deities of the shrine was performed in front of the main sanctuary.  There are a botanical garden which is famous for various kinds of wisterias in the shrine; where white wisteria and iris were blooming.  

Eary Spring in Nara - Shunie (A Ceremony of Fire and Water at Todaiji, Nigatsu-do) and Maiko & Geisha in Naramachi

posted Mar 7, 2016, 2:53 AM by ETSUKO Ito   [ updated Mar 7, 2016, 2:54 AM ]

What's the diference of Maiko and Geisha?
Last week I was watching Geisha and Maiko in Nara at Todaiji. Kikuno-san, (right) who is the leader of geisha in present day stood with beautiful blue kimono in front of people came to watch her and her disciple girl, Kikukame-san (left) who is such a lovely with prettey long-sleeved kimono and obi which was only allowed to wear under age of twenty (in Kyoto under fifteen). 
You probably know 'GEISHA' is a woman of the Japanese traditional arts, sometimes served sake and dance for man and very popular among foreign people but actually what is the difference of Geisha, Geiko and Maiko? In Tokyo these women are called Geisha, while in Kyoto they are called Geiko.  A Maiko is an apprentice of Geiko in Kyoto who should be teenager and not matured as adult lady.  The 'Maiko' in Chinese character indicates the meaning of a 'dancing child girl'. In Tokyo they are called as 'Hangyoku'. Maiko's prettiness are called 'Obokoi', which means 'very childish and cute' but when she grew up over twenty, then if she act like Maiko's dress up or childish behavior, people began to call her 'Ezukuro-shii' which means not cool or wise as a matured lady. So Geiko or Geisha dress up with chic colors, black is the typical color of kimono for them. 


SHUNIE- CEREMONY at Todaiji Nigatsu-do Hall  - From March 1st till March 14th-
The Shuie Ceremony welcoms the coming of spring in Nara. During the period, eleven priests called "Rengyo-shu", participate in the daily ceremonies, confine themselves to the temple; following a precise schedule. They undergo a various kinds of spiritual exercises to cleanse the sins of the old year by confession called "Keka".  They also pray for the world peace and prosperity of nations, on behalf of people.  In front of the altar of the 'Kannon (Bodhisattva)', the priests perform the religious ritual to pray and perform a ritual of repentance "Keka" six times.  Every evening, at even o'clock, the priests climb the stone steps of the Nigatsudo Temple one by one accompanied by an attendant, who carries a huge flaming torch lighting the way to the temple. Theh torch is made of a large bamboo pole and weigh about 40 kilograms (88 lbs), 8 meters in lengths.  It was really amazing. 
                                    

Dear Guests - Seasons Greetings for Year 2016

posted Jan 4, 2016, 2:45 AM by ETSUKO Ito   [ updated Jan 4, 2016, 2:47 AM ]

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcardm.asp?code=6006462048039&ob=1&cont=1

HOW TO WEAR KIMONO & OBI - SIMPLE VERSION

posted Sep 25, 2015, 12:21 AM by ETSUKO Ito   [ updated Oct 14, 2015, 4:39 AM ]


There are a good instruction video how to wear yukata and tigh up Hanhaba (Half size) Obi at youtube.  Please check it out : 

Step 1
"Wrap & Wind Obi Around Your Body"

Step 2 
"Bind tightly"

Step 3
"Make A Butterfly Shape"

Step 4
"Fishining"

Summer Tea Ceremony Party has been held on August 14th!

posted Aug 17, 2015, 2:14 AM by ETSUKO Ito   [ updated Aug 17, 2015, 2:26 AM ]

On August 14th, we held summer tea ceremony party in Nara, Japan.  The master of the ceremony was Ms. Zougou. With her gentle and friendly teaching, I hope the guests who has never experienced tea ceremony before or not attend for a long time could enjoy the great moment.  The guests are wearing Yukata, (summer kimono) which was very chic (^^)
 
 

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