Today it rained. Which was unusual in only that it was usual: though it's the rainy season it has only rained a handful of days. It did mean that I had to take an umbrella for once when I went to visit the Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts, which is located inside Kenrokuen. Even though it was raining, the park was still full of tour groups, their umbrellas splotches of color against a grey sky. There are 36 crafts that are designated as "developed in Ishikawa" and the museum had stunning examples (mostly modern, which was lovey to see how these traditions have continued into the present day).
Kaga embroidery and yuzen silk dying.
Kaga paper stencils
Washi paper...gods I drooled over this. I have no idea what I'd even use it for, but it's feather light and just so pretty...
And by far one of my favorites, decorative fishing flies. They have practical uses as well (i.e. you an fish with them) but then they're made into the most beautiful pieces of jewelry that are soooo far outside my budget that I just sort of gaped for a minute or two before walking on.
But by far my favorite exhibit was a special one they were having on paper umbrellas:
With the light shining through the incredibly detailed paper they were like stained glass. I have zero idea of their practicality, but they must have some since they were used until Western cloth/plastic umbrellas became widespread.
Aaaand for those of you who need some funny, here's some more weird English:
Honestly, I have no idea where this stuff comes from...
Kaga embroidery and yuzen silk dying.
Kaga paper stencils
Washi paper...gods I drooled over this. I have no idea what I'd even use it for, but it's feather light and just so pretty...
And by far one of my favorites, decorative fishing flies. They have practical uses as well (i.e. you an fish with them) but then they're made into the most beautiful pieces of jewelry that are soooo far outside my budget that I just sort of gaped for a minute or two before walking on.
But by far my favorite exhibit was a special one they were having on paper umbrellas:
With the light shining through the incredibly detailed paper they were like stained glass. I have zero idea of their practicality, but they must have some since they were used until Western cloth/plastic umbrellas became widespread.
Aaaand for those of you who need some funny, here's some more weird English:
Honestly, I have no idea where this stuff comes from...
Comments
Post a Comment