Posts Tagged ‘Japan’

12
May 12

Chinese Writing Tools

Called the Four Treasures or the Four Jewels of the study, in China and Japan, brush, ink, stone and paper are the tools of Chinese writing. In this country we call it calligraphy, which means beautiful writing. Indeed, Chinese writing is beautiful. Not only are there thousands of hanzi, characters, to learn; but they also must be written in a prescribed manner, with strong straight lines and delicate curved strokes.

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Chinese Jade Wool Brush Pen

Brush
Generally made of bamboo, the handle of the brush is occasionally made of porcelain or ivory. The best bristles are traditionally made of wolf hair, although brushes are also made with weasel, rabbit, sheep and goat hair. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on the size of the writing to be done. Keeping the brushes stiff is recommended, so that it won’t bend too easily when applying ink to paper. Each brush comes with a small loop on the end of the handle. With this loop, it can be hung tip down to dry.

Ink
As a rule, an ink stick is used, but liquid inks are also available. The inks are concentrated; so, it will be necessary to dilute them slightly before using them. The ink sticks are made from the soot of burned vegetable oil, pine wood or pine resin mixed with a little glue. The finer the resin, the better the ink. When the ink is ground, water is added to it. If too much water is added, it will become a wash and will run on the paper.

Stone
Every Chinese calligraphy kit comes with a small stone. There is always a well in the middle of the stone, where the ink stick is ground. The stick is held perpendicular to the stone, while it is being ground. A few drops of water are added slowly to the ink until the right consistency is met. These stones may be square or round and as small as two inches across.

Paper
Rice paper is the traditional choice for writing or painting with ink. Strong and absorbent, it comes raw, or unsized, and sized. The more absorbent raw paper works best for spontaneous painting, but requires more experience in moisture control. Sized paper, slightly less absorbent, needs less moisture control and can be used with slower strokes. Colors do not run with sized paper, making it a better choice for beginners. Rice paper can be purchased in various sizes, with rolls of up to 18 inches wide by 50 feet long, or pads of about 9 x 12 inches and 12 x 18 inches. Handmade rice papers are also available in sheets of about 19 x 24 inches and larger.

Water and a cup
Although it is not listed as one of the Four Treasures, writing with an ink stick won’t be possible without water. Use the brush as a dropper, loading it with water and dabbing the drops onto the stone. Dab the brush on a paper towel before using the brush to mix the ink. If too much water is added, more ink will have to be ground.

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16
Apr 12

Information on Japanese Kimonos

The Japanese word “kimono” translates literally as “clothing,” and this garment is one of the world’s most recognized cultural costumes. While kimonos were everyday wear years ago in Japan, these traditional robes are usually seen today only for special occasions. The kimono has a rich history and a number of traditional aspects.

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady White

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady White

History
Kimonos have been used for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing since the Jomon Period over 1,700 years ago. The first kimonos were made from hemp and had no distinction between men’s and women’s styles. As sewing methods became more advanced during the Asuka Period, dating from 550 C.E. to 710 C.E., clothing became longer and styles between men’s and women’s kimonos became different. The kimono continued to evolve through the Heian Period of 792 C.E. to 1192 C.E., during which they became layered and color-coordinated to changes in seasons. Kimonos returned to highly-decorated, single-layer garments during the Edo Period, 1601 to 1867, which is the style commonly associated with the kimono today.
Uses
Although no longer everyday wear in Japan, kimonos are worn mainly for special occasions. Women wear kimonos during tea ceremonies and holiday celebrations. Brides and grooms wear several changes of kimono during traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies. Black kimonos are worn by Japanese men and women for funeral services.
Styles
Many varieties of kimonos exist for different occasions and different wearers. Young, single women wear bright, long-sleeved kimonos called furisode, while married women wear short-sleeved kimonos in muted shades known as tomosode. Women’s sleeves are wide and open, but sleeve length can vary from close to the arm to floor-length. Obi belts also vary from wide, formal obi to more narrow casual styles. Men’s kimonos are different from women’s kimonos, as the fabric displays a more masculine pattern and sleeves are sewn together under the arm.

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26
Feb 12

Care of Jade Jewelry

Jade jewelry has been revered by people for centuries for its beauty and symbolism. When you find a piece of jewelry you truly love, you want it to last through the ages. Properly taking care of your jade jewelry can help it to retain its original luster and keep it looking as good as the day you bought it for years to come.

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Chinese Green Jade Bangle

What is Jade?
Jade is a gemstone of which there are two varieties: jadeite jade and nephrite jade. The former is found mostly in Burma, America and Japan, while the latter is more common to Canada, Taiwan, China and America. Jade’s toughness is one of its defining qualities. Many varieties are harder and tougher than steel. This toughness makes jade an ideal gemstone for everyday wear, as you do not have to worry about it getting easily ruined. As with any gemstone, the quality of the jade is reflected in its price. In some instances, the highest quality of jade can be even more expensive than diamond.

Quality
The quality of jade is gauged by a few different criteria. There is its tone or color, its texture, it’s translucency or clarity and the way it is cut. Jade also comes in several different colors, the most popular being green, lavender and white. Green jade is the most treasured color. When jade is sold, it is typically sold by the piece’s size or style rather than by carat. Since jade is so tough, it takes a particularly skilled craftsman to shape jade into beautiful jewelry and collectibles.
When purchasing jade, always be on the lookout for treated jade. Once jadeite jade has been treated by dying, bleaching or any other treatment techniques the jade’s structure can be compromised, leaving your jade brittle, dull or even cause it to leak acid or dye.

Care and Cleaning of Jade
Jade is actually extremely easy to take care of. The more you wear it, the brighter and lovelier your jade will become. You can wipe your jade jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing, and wipe it down with a gem cleaner every so often. Chemical cleaner, however, is to be avoided at all costs. If you take your jade to a jeweler to be cleaned or worked on, make sure they do not steam clean your jade piece. Never put jade in an Ultra-Sonic cleaner. The chlorine in pools and hot tubs can be harmful to jade and jewelry settings, so it is safer to remove your jewelry before swimming.

Sincerely hope this article will be helpful for you.

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20
Feb 12

How to Wear a Kimono

Have you ever seen people in Japan such as geishas wear a traditional kimono? With a little bit of time and effort, you too can wear a kimono.

Step 1.

Purchase a kimono. You can go to places that sell Japanese items, or you can always try and buy a kimono online in auction stores or at online storefronts specializing in kimonos. Purchase a kimono with the koshi himo belt, datejime, and obi makura belt. Also purchase white tabi socks.

 

Step 2.

Put on the kimono, making sure the back seam is centered. For both men and women, wrap the right side of the kimono over your body to begin with, then wrap the right side of the kimono over the body, then overlap it with the left side. Putting the kimono on right on top of the left is only used for dressing a corpse for burial so remember this step.

 

Step 3.

Adjust the white slip collar to show evenly around the neck just under the kimono collar.

 

SKU	01240060

SKU 01240060

 

Read more:

1. How to use your Periwing Coupon Code? Please read the blog.

2. How To Choose Suitable Item On Periwing Website? Please read the blog.

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10
Feb 12

Kimono culture at UH

Kimono Culture This Saturday, Jean Sakihara, lecturer and adviser of kimono culture at the University Lab School, will give the local community a chance to experience the Japanese tradition of seijinshiki. This coming-of-age kimono dressing festival is held annually in honor of people turning 20 – when they receive the right to vote and drink and are subject to adult laws in Japan. Women often wear furisode (long-sleeved kimono) and men wear hakama (full, pleated pants worn over kimono). Sakihara moved to Hawai‘i in 1967 to teach Japanese and compile Japanese textbooks for University of Hawai‘i Press. In 1982, she established the Kimono Program at the University Lab School. She earned her kimono teaching certificate from the Hakubi Kyoto Kimono School, and in 2009, the emperor of Japan awarded her the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun with Gold and Silver Rays for her efforts in preserving and teaching kimono culture in Hawai‘i. Sakihara believes the most important aspects of kimono dressing are “comfort and beauty,” a lesson she learned at the kimono school. Kimonos and backdrops are provided at the event, but participants should bring cameras if they want to be photographed. The event is open to everybody free of charge, although donations are appreciated. Although seijinshiki is often set aside for 20 year olds, Sakihara encourages members of all ages to attend, dress up and take family portraits. In addition to the seijinshiki, other kimono dressing events are available for New Year’s and Shichi-go-san, or “seven-five-three.” The latter event celebrates 3- and 7-year-old girls and 3- and 5-year-old boys. “I’ve had mothers bring their 7-year-old daughters for the Shichi-go-san kimono dressing,” recalls Sakihara, “They loved the experience and my work so much that they came back years later for the seijinshiki.” For people further interested in kimono culture, Sakihara offers free kimono dressing courses by appointment. “I can easily teach UH Mānoa students kimono dressing, especially since the campus is located so close to my office at UH Lab,” she said. Besides the convenient location, she chooses to teach because she believes strongly in imparting her knowledge about Japanese traditions. “At UH Mānoa, they teach tea culture. Along with that course, I think taking kimono dressing is a good way to learn Japanese culture,” she said.

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25
Dec 11

How to Wash a Kimono

Kimonos on Periwing web site are always welcome. It is necessary to know on how to wash it.

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For those lucky enough to own an authentic Japanese kimono, the care of this popular traditional garment is of the utmost importance. Kimonos were once common everyday in Japan. In modern times the kimono, with its complicated wrapping and sashes are typically worn for traditional ceremonies and weddings. Spot-cleaning is best for kimonos, especially for vintage, hand-painted ones that will be ruined by a full washing. However, with most modern kimonos, sometimes made with cotton as well as silk, you can gently hand-wash them to keep them in pristine condition.

1.Fill a tub with lukewarm water.

2.Add two to three tablespoons of non-alkaline liquid soap or baby shampoo to the water.

3.Place the kimono in the water and allow it to soak for a few minutes. This should take less than five minutes.

4.Drain the soapy water and fill the sink or tub with plain lukewarm water, to rinse the kimono. Agitate the kimono in the water slightly until all the soap is rinsed from the garment.

5.Remove the kimono from the water and let it drip dry, hanging over the tub using padded, satin hangers. Do not squeeze or wring the kimono.

Please review the following Kimonos on Periwing:

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady Burgundy

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady Burgundy

 

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady Burgundy

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady Burgundy

 

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady Burgundy

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady Burgundy

 

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Lady

 

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Man

Traditional Japanese Kimono for Man

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