There are three main festivals that stand out in Kyoto’s calendar, all of which are highly anticipated. However, this vibrant and bustling city is host to many celebrations, all significant in their own way. Though most are holidays celebrated by the whole of Japan, there are special ways that Kyoto makes these events their own.
New Year’s in Kyoto
New Year is a hugely significant holiday in Japan, and has as much anticipation and build-up as Christmas in Western cultures. Only around 1% of Japan’s population are Christian, so Christmas is not a major holiday in traditional Japanese culture and is mainly celebrated commercially. New Year’s, however, is considered the major event of the year’s calendar, with celebratory feasting and gatherings of friends and family taking place. After the traditional meal on New Year’s Eve, many people in Kyoto will go to their local temple to pray for the New Year and act out the ceremonial bell ringing (joya-no-kane). It is traditional for the bell to eventually be rung 108 times because this number symbolises the sins of the flesh. From New Year’s Eve until the third of January at the latest, the people of Kyoto will visit their nearest shrine and pray for good fortune of the coming year. This ceremony is called Hatsumode, and this is the first shrine visit of the year, making it very important.
Ebisu-San
Ebisu is one of the Shichifukujin, the seven lucky gods, and is in fact the only member who is purely Japanese in origin, with the others taking their roots from Chinese or Hindu influence. In Kyoto between January 8th and 10th, the residents of Kyoto visit the Ebisu-jinja shrine. The evenings are generally considered to be the opportune time to make this visit as that is when it is most lively. As Ebisu-san is the god of prosperity, it is customary to put some money in the donation box before praying to him. After ringing the gong and saying a prayer, the devotee then goes around to the right side of the main hall and knocks on the board found there and repeats their prayers. This is because Ebisu is famously hard of hearing, as he is an old god, so this is to make sure that he is awake to listen to you.
Celebrations of the Geisha
As discussed in some of our other blogs, Geisha are an essential part of Kyoto’s cultural history and set this city apart from others in Japan. From mid-March to mid-May, there are several important occasions for the Geisha of Kyoto. The Kitano Odori is the dance that is performed between March 25th and 31st and involves each of Kyoto’s five Geisha districts. This is followed by the Kyo Odori dance, famously performed by the Miyagawa-cho Geisha district, and the main dance of April which celebrates the Sakura season, the Miyako Odori. These April dances are beautifully complemented by the illuminated temple gardens, specially decorated for this time of year.
The Matsuri Festivals
The Aoi Matsuri, Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri festivals are the three main festivals of Kyoto. The word Matsuri literally translates to ‘traditional festival’ in Japanese, after all, it is widely known that Japan is a country that takes their traditional history and culture very seriously. The Aoi Matsuri, also referred to as the Kamo festival, comes about on May 15th annually and derives its name from the hollyhock leaves used for decoration throughout this festival. These leaves were initially used because they were believed to ward against natural disasters, which were most likely common during the rule of Emperor Kinmei (539-571 CE), during whose reign the festival is thought to originate. It wasn’t until the 9th century that the Aoi Matsuri was established as an annual imperial holiday by Emperor Kanmu of the Heian period, to protect the capital. Still today, hundreds of participants dress up in the traditional clothing of this era and parade from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo and Kamigamo.
The Gion Matsuri takes place in July, with parades on the 17th and 24th of the month. Originating as part of a ritual of purification to appease the gods of fire, earthquakes and floods, the Gion district of Kyoto is where this festival takes its name from. Although this festival dates back to the 6th century, by the Kamakura period (1185-1333), it became a way for craft merchants to showcase their creations and good fortune. The highlight of Gion Matsuri is the Yoiyama parade and its floats, known as Yamaboko. These floats are beautifully decorated with tapestries and lanterns and carry around traditionally trained musicians and artists.
The Jidai Matsuri occurs on October 22nd and involves a portable shrine, a Mikoshi, and about two thousand participants dressed up in different costumes of Kyoto’s traditional history, including that of samurai. The Mikoshi is carried from the Kyoto Imperial Palace early in the morning accompanied by a military band in costume. Ending at the Heian Shrine, this festival portrays the rich and fascinating traditional history of Kyoto.
Tradition on Atelier Japan
All of the products featured on Atelier Japan draw on and are inspired by the distinguished traditional culture of Japan. Festivals and national holidays are just one part of this rich history, and our makers, Komaruya, have crafted an array of flawless festival fans such as the Aoi Festival Fan to purchase at Atelier Japan and bring this culture into your own home.
Author: Johnny
The Allure of the Pearl
As the first precious stone to be worn by mankind, the pearl has an ancient and fascinating history. There is so much allure surrounding the pearl; this precious gem has notoriety in interactions between Kings and Queens, for example from Albert to Victoria as a gift for their third Wedding anniversary, and within art such as Vermeer’s ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’, arguably one of the most famous paintings in the world.
World History of the Pearl
Acting as the most treasured gem in Western society until the nineteenth century when diamonds were introduced, pearls have significance in almost every society and culture. Pearls were originally used for medicinal purposes and in religious ornaments, and were seen to represent purity, chastity and feminine attributes. The first mention of the pearl in ancient historical evidence is in a Hindu legend about Krishna which dates back five thousand years, as well as in a three-thousand-year-old Chinese legend about a king’s daughter. At an old palace of a Persian king at Susa (in Western Iran), a pearl necklace was found which is believed to be from about 305 BCE. Pearls have also been found at other archaeological sites over the years, some even older than this.
Symbolism of the Pearl
Due to the colour and texture of pearls, many ancient societies associated them with the moon, particularly in Vedic and Japanese lore. In Chinese legend, black pearls symbolise wisdom and were thought to have been created inside the head of a dragon. Similarly to the Japanese myth that pearls came from the tears of mythical creatures, one Ancient Greek myth suggested that pearls were the solidified tears of the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and were symbols of love, devotion and marriage. By Roman times, the pearl was incredibly valuable and became a public show of wealth, superiority and even virtue. In fact, the pearl was so priceless there is a famous anecdote about Cleopatra crushing one of her large and priceless pearl earrings and putting it in white-wine vinegar which she then drank to prove to her lover Mark Antony that she could throw the most expensive dinner party in history. You may also have heard of the famously bonkers Roman Emperor Caligula, who tried to make his horse, Incitatus, a Roman consul and in legend gave this same horse a pearl necklace.
The Pearl in Japanese Mythology
In ancient society in Japan, it was generally believed that tears from creatures like mermaids or angels formed pearls, which gave them a magical and mysterious association. Within the Shinto religion, pearls have a special place, here the pearl is seen to encompass positive and spiritual qualities. The pearl was classed as a precious gem, tama, which comes from mi-tama, meaning soul or spirit. This classification highlights the significance of the pearl in ancient and current Japanese religious culture. Kitsune, (a fox), in English refers to fox spirits in the context of Japanese mythology. In some legends these foxes had magical pearls or gems in their possession which were very valuable to the fox and humans.
There was also an idea of the pearl symbolically representing life, which caused women to wear them to promote fertility and pearls were sometimes put in the mouth of the dead to protect the body from decay. The pearl has also been associated with Japanese gods of luck, among other representations. Within Japanese mythology, tide jewels, which can refer to pearls, were magical gems that were used to control the waves by the sea god. During the time of Empress Jingu, legends emerged around Japan conquering Korea with tide jewels. These gems also have relation to Japanese sea dragons, or the eight dragon kings, one of which is said to have been the dragon king of sea. One legend proclaims that the sea god stole a pearl and a female pearl diver lost her life getting it back for her husband.
Pearl Production
Before the twentieth century and in some instances afterwards, pearls were found and collected through diving, which was dangerous and difficult. Interestingly, pearl divers were predominantly female in Japan, in contrast with the rest of the world where this was generally a male activity. Natural pearls come about when a parasite or other alien substance gets into a mollusc and sticks itself between the shell and the mantel. Natural pearls can also originate from oysters that produce natural saltwater pearls. These pearls, or at least perfectly round ones, are few and far between. Cultured pearls are when someone purposefully places a shell, called a nucleus, into a pearl oyster and then harvests it after a long period of time; usually between six months to three years. White Akoya pearls, black, gold and white pearls from the South Sea (mostly Tahiti, Australia and Indonesia) and Chinese freshwater pearls are the three main types of pearls.
Japan’s Monopoly on the Pearl
Japan is home to the creator of the cultured pearl business, Kokichi Mikimoto (1858-1954), who effectively built an empire on the phenomenon of cultured pearls, despite coming from a relatively poor background. Although Mikimoto eventually amassed a huge fortune from this business, creating the now well-known luxury pearl company Mikimoto, his new way of collecting pearls was initially frowned upon and discredited. Many in the pearl-selling industry proclaimed that cultured pearls were not real pearls, and inferior to those found from diving. However, since Mikimoto priced his pearls initially much lower than others, cultured pearls soon swept the globe as the new sensation. Scientists quickly disproved the theories that these pearls were of a lower quality, as the process of the pearl’s creation is the same, just man-initiated. Despite his success, Mikimoto had a controversial reputation, famously setting fire to a large amount of ‘inferior pearls’ and greeting the Emperor and Empress of Japan with greetings below their status.
Pearls and Atelier Japan
Japan is still leading the way in the cultured pearl market worldwide, and retains a reputation for high value and luxury pearls whether cultured or freshwater. Atelier Japan features a stunning selection of pearl earrings, necklaces and other pearl items. These products are all carefully crafted with great attention to detail by our wonderful makers, Karafuru, an example being the Phases of the Moon necklace.
Incense Burning and Japanese Religion
The burning of incense came into Japan in the sixth century from China through Buddhism. Used for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, incense is still used in Japanese Buddhist temples today. Japan has two main religions; Buddhism and Shinto, with many people following both. Incense has different uses amongst Japanese culture, mostly spiritual but also practical.
History of Incense
Incense has been around for centuries, believed to have been used by Egyptian Pharaohs and the Babylonians in prayer and when conferring with oracles. There is also biblical reference to incense being used, suggesting Egypt as the place of origin. It is used for religious purposes in Christianity today. Japan adopted incense into their culture through Chinese Buddhist influence, as previously mentioned. The first uses for incense were for purification of the air and in meditation. In the fourteenth century, Samurai warriors would use incense to give their helmets and armour a fragrance and were the principal people, apart from Buddhist priests, to use incense at this time. By the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, use of incense gained popularity with the middle and upper classes, and eventually developed into an object used in many households.
Koh-Do Ceremony
Koh-Do or kodo, deriving from the Japanese koh, meaning incense, is a ceremony that can be found in historical evidence as far back as the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Kodo is often referred to as the ‘art of incense’ and is all about appreciation, a quintessential Japanese trait. So what does this ceremony involve for a participant? In description, it sounds game-like, as those involved smell scents of different wood chips with distinct fragrances and memorise the smell to later identify them. However, the art appreciation and spirituality in kodo is taken very seriously. There are ten different virtues of, including to purify the mind and body, create peace, and remove uncleanliness.
Religion in Japan
Although burning incense has its associations with Buddhism, and is not an integral part of Shinto religion, the belief that incense purifies the body and its surroundings is widely held by many, if not all, in Japan. Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan, with the worshipping of many gods, whereas Buddhism is more about spirituality and state of mind. A big difference between the two becomes apparent when entering a shrine or temple. At a temple there is an incense burner but at a shrine there is a purification fountain. Here, the visitor to the shrine washes their hands using a ladle and then rinses their mouth, spitting the water out near the fountain once done. A common mistake often made by foreigners is to drink the water, which is not advisable! It is customary when entering a temple to blow the incense smoke onto an ailing part of your body, if you have any, as incense smoke is perceived to have healing properties. When entering the offering hall, it is traditional to throw a coin in the collection box, then bow twice deeply, clap your hands twice, bow again and then pray. The clapping is to signal to the god that you are there so they will listen to your prayer.
What is Incense Made From?
There are many ingredients that make up Japanese incense, which can change depending on which part of the world you purchase it from. The shape of the incense is formed using tabu tree bark, which can be found in China. In order to preserve the fragrance of the incense, Benzoin can be used, which is a resin made from the Styracaceae tree found in areas such as Thailand or Indonesia. Sandalwood has been used in Japanese incense for centuries and originates in countries such as India, Indonesia and Australia, and helps give it its sweet fragrance. Nard, an aromatic root, and Cassia are also popular ingredients, coming from places like Vietnam or Sri Lanka. If you’ve ever been to Japan, you may also have noticed that there are an abundance of insects like mosquitoes, Camphol can be used in incense to repel these pests with its antiseptic qualities.
Types of Incense
Incense can come in three kinds; as sticks, cones or coils. Incense sticks are long, thin and burn easily; these are probably the ones you have seen before if you’ve ever visited any sort of Buddhist shine or festival and are best used with incense holders so that the ash can be caught when it falls down. Incense cones exhibit a more intense fragrance that is better suited to large spaces and burns much faster than the sticks. The coils are specifically designed to burn for a very long time, this incense can even burn for as long as two hours. The characteristics of this incense mean that an area will receive a steady and constant fragrance over a long period of time.
Atelier Japan’s Take on the Tradition
Atelier Japan features incense products spanning from incense stands and burners to containers, all impeccably crafted by our makers with unique and individual designs to encompass this rich tradition.
Sake: the Traditional Japanese Alcohol
Types of Sake
Sake and Socialising
Sake can be served on many different occasions and at varied venues. Drinking in Japan is essentially a social ritual, often post work or with new business partners as a way of cementing friendships. Sake is also very common at more formal engagements or meals and the more important the event, the greater the quality of sake. An evening usually starts with a nama beeru (draft beer), followed by a clinking of the glasses and saying kanpai before moving onto individual alcohol ha (faction) preference. When drinking sake, it is customary to pour for others, usually your superior, you wouldn’t pour for yourself unless alone. There are also many specific linguistic phrases that refer to the social stages of drinking, such as kyo wa enryo shimasu (I will be abstaining today).
Due to how refined sake can be, it is common to have sake tastings. These tastings are for generally appreciating the specific aromas and fragrances of each sake in company, just like the equivalents of whiskey or wine tasting in Western countries.
History of Sake
Although sake can be traced back in China to 4,000 BCE, it was first produced on a large scale in Japan. Sake was first introduced to Japan in around 300 BCE after the start of rice cultivation. Initially for personal usage by individual communities or families, sake rice soon grew into an agricultural product on a large scale. When production boomed, the largest area was around Nada, close to modern Kobe, and was mostly only for noble families. The Shinto religion had great use for sake, employing it for purification of temples, as offerings to the Gods and in wedding ceremonies as part of a process called san san kudo. Sake was often a staple drink served by geisha in tea houses, poured after the tea and in a delicate and refined way to match the essence of the drink. Sake gained popularity over time and production continued to rise, with cloudy sake being the only version until the seventeenth century. Industrial advancements brought sake onto the market as a much more accessible beverage, making the drink available to the poor too.
How to Drink Sake
Sake can be served hot or chilled, often varying either seasonally or by the particular type, although high-quality sake should not be heated as it can cause loss of flavour and spoil the subtlety of the taste. It is best to store your sake in a cool, dry place and it should not be left long after opening. It is often served from a tokkuru (a porcelain flask) into a traditional sake cup, (sakazuki or choko), or a wine glass if the sake is chilled. Saucer-like cups can also be used for sake in special occasions or rituals.
Again, depending on the variation and strength, you can either sip your sake over time or drink it quickly, though sake is quite potent so you might want to be careful here! With so many different flavours of sake, you might like to choose what food, if any at all, you want to accompany it based on which flavours and ingredients complement each other.
Sake’s Significance on Atelier
On Atelier Japan, we have an exquisite selection of finely crafted traditional sake cups and servers, each with unique and beautiful designs and masterfully crafted by our makers, Kazariya-Ryo and Rokubeygama respectively.
Sakura: Japan’s Gorgeous Cherry-Blossom
Sakura season, usually arriving in March or April across Japan’s different regions, is probably the most beautiful time of year to visit Japan and is certainly the most popular amongst tourists. With the cherry-pink colour perfectly offsetting the clear pastel-blue Japanese skies, Sakura (cherry-blossom) trees are a stunning sight to behold. Sakura viewing parties are a staple event held at this time of year and represent the aesthetic Japan is known to strive for. Sakura iconically characterises spring in Japan, and is even used as an ice cream flavour or sprinkled on lattes; it is true to say that a pink obsession takes over the country in this period, and not just in Japan. Big global names in sales have also picked up on the craze, with Starbucks releasing a Sakura frappuccino last spring.
Hanami: The Ancient Tradition of Flower Viewing
Hanami is the name given to the ongoing and ancient tradition of flower viewing, with the term deriving from the Japanese word for flower, hana.
Originally, this ceremony centred on plum blossoms but by the Heian era (794 – 1185) it transitioned to exclusively focus on Sakura. This blossom only blooms for a very short time (usually a week) betweenMarch and May, most commonly in very early April in Kyoto, and is seen to metaphorically represent the fleeting nature of life. Historically, the period in which the cherry-blossom bloomed was indicative of divining that year’s harvest and signalled the commencing of the rice-planting season. When the Sakura trees come to fruition and the blossoms start to fall, swirling around in the wind, this is seen as the ultimate time to host viewing parties as this sight is considered particularly beautiful to behold. Sakura blossoms and their movement are widely seen to incorporate the Japanese ideology of wabi-sabi (the aesthetic of imperfection and transience).
Sakura and Ancient Kyoto
Japan has the longest lasting monarchy of any nation and has a fascinating history. The ancient and imperial eras in Japan are shrouded in mystery and allure and are highly interesting, particularly to foreigners, as this history is so unique anddistinctive. From the ancient myths and stories of samurai and the beautiful art depicting the seemingly transient lives of ancient imperial courts, it is clear to see why many have an interest in studying ancient Japan and why it still holds a special place in contemporary Japanese society.
Hanami was an essential part of court life, with Emperor Saga of the Heian period holding parties with feasting and sake consumption beneath the flowering blossoms in the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Kyoto was in fact originally the imperial capital of Japan for more than one thousand years, before this moved to Edo (now Tokyo) in the nineteenth century. From these gatherings, a great deal of poetry was written praising the cherry-blossom, again often metaphorically, linking Sakura to the blooming of life. Although starting as exclusive to the Imperial Court and other elite, hanami was soon adopted by samurai society and the common people by the Edo period (1603-1868).
Sakura and Modern Kyoto
Kyoto is still the most popular place to host hanami. Every year during Sakura season, the ancient city is flooded with tourists hoping to get the best view of the famed phenomenon, and experience the rich culture Kyoto has to offer. It is a time of great celebration with lively parties and entertainment including dancing specific to hanami, such as Miyako Odori (literally translating to ‘capital city dances’ but most commonly known in English as cherry blossom dancing). At these gatherings, there is no shortage of food and drink; sake is particularly popular and is often be consumed warm, and the parks are flooded with people having picnics, enjoying the season with friends. Geisha wear traditional kimono with Sakura design and dance the Miyako Odori to celebrate the season.
Sakura in Design at Atelier Japan
Holding a special association with Japan, Sakura as a depiction is perhaps the most popular and aesthetically pleasing design used in art and other mediums, and is highly admired worldwide. Drawn or painted with great skill, Sakura is a beautiful picture to have in your home. At Atelier Japan, many of our ornaments and pottery are exquisitely designed with unique and stunningly beautiful illustrations of Sakura, such as our Shinheiji vase showing a kimono clad woman under a Sakura tree.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Tea is an integral part of Japanese society, thus making the tea ceremony so important. Served in a gesture of hospitality to guests and friends, the art of pouring and making tea is highly appreciated in Japanese culture. There are many different varieties, most notable of which are matcha, genmaicha, hojicha and general Japanese green tea, all available from Atelier Japan. There are different kinds of tea ceremony that vary in length and importance. As Japan is a very honorific society, the tea ceremony is carried out delicately and with particular care to detail, as well as in a hierarchical system that is common of all interactions in Japan.
History of the Tea Ceremony
As is the same for many other countries around the globe, tea was first introduced to Japan by China around the eighth century and was originally consumed for medicinal reasons by the higher classes and priests. However, by the Muromachi Period (1333-1573), tea was popularly used by all people, and soon tea parties came into fashion as a way for richer members of society to show their knowledge of the drink and to present their beautifully crafted and designed bowls. Tea parties then transitioned into a spiritual and refined forum. Widely accepted to be the father of the modern tea ceremony, Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591) is the inspiration for the three main schools of tea ceremony in Japan today, making the process simple and rural. Suransenke is the generic name for these schools, which are Urasenke, the largest school, Omotesenke, the second biggest, and Mushakojisenke. This might be the smallest of the schools, but it is run by actual descendants of Sen no Rikyu himself.
The Procedure
A full formal tea ceremony is a rarer occurrence in modern day Japan, but they do still take place. These ceremonies start with a kaiseki meal, followed by a bowl of thick tea and finish with thin tea. In general, tea ceremonies are much shorter and often just consist of the thin green tea. If you ever visit a temple in Japan, you may experience one of these casual ceremonies, where people are allowed to come and go as they please in an open setting.
In terms of how the ceremony is carried out in movement, the different schools of tea have different procedures. However, what is universally accepted is how one attending these ceremonies should act. If you are a foreigner or tourist, you will not be expected to know every detail or act perfectly, but there are some simple rules that you can follow which will convey respect and understanding to your host. This will also probably cause pleasant surprise that you have taken the time to learn about their culture. Although there often is no strict dress code for guests, it is expected that one should dress modestly and simply, with no jewellery that could damage the equipment and no strong perfume that will overpower the fragrances of the tea and incense.
How it is Laid Out
A traditional tea ceremony venue will be surrounded by a simple yet stunningly presented garden, with stones of varying sizes leading up to the entrance where guests will then wash their hands in a stone basin next to a stone lantern before entering the tatami room where the ceremony will take place. Humility and honour are crucial concepts in Japan, and the entrance to the tatami room will sometimes be low so that the guest has to stoop to enter, showing these two traits. When inside the room, you will notice an alcove, tokonoma, where a scroll or seasonal flowers will be placed, creating an aesthetic for the room. After bowing, the head guest will then proceed to sit nearest to the alcove, with the other guests following to take their places behind them respectively. Once in position, you would bow and carefully take in the meticulously chosen decorations.
Preparation of Tea
The traditional equipment for making the tea consists of a chasen (bamboo whisk), natsume (tea container), chashaku (bamboo scoop for the tea), a sweets container for wagashi (sweets) and a kettle and brazier. There is a precise placement for all of the equipment which has been specifically chosen for each ceremony, this will all be prepared in front of you by the host (teishu, meaning house master), who in proper ceremonies would wear a traditional kimono (called hohmongi).
How to Enjoy
Upon sitting down, you will be given a wagashi (sweet) which should be eaten before drinking the tea to balance out the slightly bitter taste of the green tea. You should then pick up the tea bowl with your right hand, place it on your left palm and then turn it 90 degrees clockwise with your right hand, take three sips and place it back on the tatami mat in front of you. Then, bow and show gratitude. Near to the end of the tea ceremony, you will be given time to look at and admire the tea bowl so carefully chosen by the host and, when you are finished, you should turn the bowl so that it faces the host. These details are very precise, so don’t worry if you don’t remember them all; as long as you act in a polite and respectful manner, your host will be pleased and happy that as a visitor to Japan you have taken time to learn anything at all.
Exquisite Traditional Tea on Atelier Japan
Atelier Japan features stunning authentic teas to purchase, as well as beautifully hand-crafted matcha bowls, made by the ancient firing technique of Raku. Each collection is entirely unique and created from the unceasing hard work of our makers, Marukyu Koyamaen and Rokubeygama. To learn more about how to make the perfect matcha tea, view our latest video guide on the Atelier Japan Facebook page.
The Art of the Fan
The Japanese folding fan, sensu or ougi, in true Japanese fashion, has become a symbol of beauty and respect. It is believed to have been invented between the sixth and ninth centuries in Japan, inspired by those used in China, and was originally operated as one would expect; to cool the holder of the fan down.
The folding fan first appeared as a court fan, Akomeogi, deriving its name from Akome, a court-woman’s dress, and after first only being used by the emperor and empress, was the staple accompaniment of any noblewoman. Made with thin strips of Japanese cypress, hinoki, tied together with thread, how many strips of wood a fan had was directly correlated to the status of the holder. In modern times, fans are used as a token of friendship and goodwill and do not relate to social status, having become an art form in and of itself to be admired and often used as decoration in a house to create positive energy. Non-foldable fans, uchiwa, were mainly used in war, however they were then made of metal and were used by army generals to give signals during battle. Today, these fans are often given by stores for free as adverts in festivals or used in these festivals as decoration and to cool oneself down, as well as ornaments in homes.
Symbolism of the Fan
There are many different symbolisms that fans can have. The folding fan is sometimes interpreted to represent a flower blooming as it unfolds and spreads out, and therefore represents prosperity. If a fan is patterned, it will most likely have an odd number of pictures, as in Japanese culture odd numbers are lucky. As well as this, the colours used in fans have particular meanings; gold is meant to bring wealth, while white and red are considered to be lucky colours. Specific flowers and animals can represent long life, and fans are often given as gifts at birthdays and other events to wish this goodwill upon the receiving party. A couple of examples of specific meanings of pictures are two birds to symbolise a couple, and sakura (cherry blossom) which represents the love of parents as well as wealth and good fortune.
Geisha and the Fan
Kyoto is perhaps most prominently known for its thriving culture, past and present, of Geisha, the highly-skilled traditional entertainers whose use of the fan in their captivating dancing has delighted audiences for centuries. Geisha use fans as a way of expressing themselves and they are often critical elements in their dances. The first Geishas appeared in the eighteenth century as dancers and shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese guitar) players, and although modern Geisha are very different from their previous counterparts, much of the rituals and tradition still remain, despite playing a smaller part in Japanese society than before. There is still much mystery surrounding the culture of Geisha; young trainees, usually aged 14 or 15, must train and work for five years before reaching the status of maiko, then train for more years before becoming a geiko, a full Geisha. Geisha live in an all-female house called an okiya, run by the okasan, which literally translates to mother but here means proprietress of the house. Each geisha must be proficient in certain skills; playing the shamisen, dancing, hospitality and other talents. More so in previous years, the fan was used to cover a geisha’s face in an act of purposeful shyness, while using the eyes emotively to portray a sense of mystery and enticement. Fans could be held in many ways to show different feelings.
Fans in Dancing
In ritual dances, the folding fan plays a large part in movement and expression and is opened and folded in choreographed timings. At an engagement involving Geisha, you would probably see Nihon buyo (Japanese dance), a centuries-old art form exclusively meant for performances on stage, taking its origins from Kabuki and Noh, which are traditional forms of Japanese theatre. Since Japanese fans have ornate and beautifully detailed designs, the fan dances were choreographed so that those watching would be drawn to this design. The earliest recorded fan dance performances come from the era of the reign of Emperor Jimmu. The fan was not necessarily easy to dance with, but with the colours often picked to compliment the those of the dancers’ kimono, as well as the hair accessories and bold makeup, they became an essential prop to create a stunning and memorable performance. In previous years, the dances incorporated slow but deliberate action, using the fan to emphasise movement and suggestion, but in modern times, fan dances are often choreographed to recorded music, since western culture has influenced Japan over recent years.
Exploring the Art of the Fan on Atelier Japan
Our fans have been beautifully crafted in traditional style by Komaruya, a centuries-old and well-respected company whose great attention to detail and quality in each fan marks them apart from other fan-makers in Kyoto. Made from traditional materials of bamboo and fine paper, they are the perfect ornament for your home or as a special gift.
Japanese Inlay
Damascene, or Japanese Inlay, is the handcrafted jewellery design made using parts of gold and silver embedded into a base material such as metal. Toledo in Spain is well known for its steel, however, this is not the only city that is currently still making handcrafted damascene jewels. Kyoto in Japan also has a rich and cultural history for it. History says that the Damascene was practised first by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, but it was developed into a high art by the people in Damascus. Before Christ, at least more than 2000 years ago the Moors were close to conquering the entire peninsula of what used to be Spain and brought the Damascene artwork with them so that they could introduce it into Spain and perhaps other Catholic countries. Even before that, the Japanese brought the whole idea of Damascene to Japan from Damascus.
Nowadays it seems like Damascene artwork has disappeared from the Middle East as there is no prominent maker located in that part of the globe. During the Renaissance and Baroque in the years of 1500 to 1750, damascene evolved as an accessory for jewellery and silverware. At this period of time, the large number of cabinets, coffins and jewellery boxes were in high demand, therefore, the Toledo damascene, in particular, became strong during the 19th century. Inlay is one of Japan’s oldest traditional crafts and has a history of over 1000 years. Kyoto’s distinct style of Inlay stands out from the rest as the materials that are used are only the highest quality silver and pure gold. They can be inlayed into boxes creating delicate works of art with beautiful silver and gold detail on jet-black surfaces. The Muromachi period started in the early 14th century until the Edo Period which ended late 19th century, these Kyoto Damascenes were popularly used as ornaments on traditional Japanese swords and armour. More recently, other delicate works such as the damascenes on vase’s became renowned to be produced overseas.
Due to the implementation of the Decree Order in 1876, demands on Damascene for armour had become less. Under the guidance of the new government, it began to deal with new art decorations and intricate accessories. After officially appearing at the Paris World Exhibition in 1878, the damascene was highly appreciated in Europe as many products exported to this part of the world. One of the representative makers, Otojiro Komai, in the Meiji era from 1842 to 1917 became very popular and known to represent a brand called “Komai” in the West of Japan. Inlay originated in Damascus in Syria more than 2,000 years ago and is said to have been transmitted to Japan in the Asuka period, which is the 6th to the 7th centuries. In the Heian period, from the late 8th-12th century, the foundation of technology was established, and during the Edo period, 17th-19th centuries, craftsmen who make swords and armours produced an excellent inlay.
Today in Damascene is still ongoing with the production of these beautiful products hundreds of years later in Kyoto. The two products featured below demonstrate the beauty of this traditional artform still around today, all handmade and available in our online store.
Matcha Green Tea – The Perfect Summer Drink
It might not feel like it just yet, but summer is fast approaching. Although Iced Matcha Green Tea might be the obvious choice for the warmer part of the year, even hot drinks can tell your body that it’s time to cool down. You might be surprised that there’s more than one way to enjoy the authentic flavour of Matcha in the summer months. From tasty Matcha Lattes to creamy Matcha Smoothies, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Matcha’s health benefits and unique taste.
Iced Matcha Green Tea
Taking a less traditional approach, a newly popular way to enjoy Matcha is over ice. By adding flavours such as mint and lemon, it’s easy to enhance the distinctive taste of Matcha within this drink and make it all the more refreshing. Whilst an Iced Matcha is a wonderful drink to kick back with, many people choose to drink their Iced Matcha whilst on the go and take it with them whilst out and about. Taking an Iced Matcha to go isn’t just handy for helping out your schedule, it’s also a convenient way to take advantage of the nutritious benefits of Matcha. Amongst other powerful health positives, Matcha is known to help to speed up the metabolism, digesting food much faster than the normal rate.
Matcha Green Tea Latte
The distinctive taste of Matcha is one that people are often reluctant to try only to be pleasantly surprised when taking their first sip of this traditional Japanese beverage. Matcha’s bright and vibrant colour often leads people to assume that it has a bitter taste but it’s rich and creamy flavour quickly converts those that try it and proves that appearances aren’t everything. With cafes today serving perfectly poured and photogenic cups of Matcha Latte, you would presume that it is difficult to make this aesthetically pleasing drink in your own home, however, it couldn’t be easier. After slowly spooning the lime green Matcha powder and sugar into a mug, carefully mix together with warm milk to eventually present the perfect blend of Matcha Latte. It’s even possible to make dairy free Matcha Lattes simply by using alternatives such as oat milk that create a similar texture and taste. As for keeping your Matcha Green Tea Latte vegan, most Matcha powers do not contain ingredients that would be unsuitable, but it can be a good idea to check.
Matcha Green Tea Smoothies
As a diverse ingredient, it’s not just citrus flavours that marry perfectly with the creamy taste of the Matcha, fruits such as strawberries and bananas also compliment its rich flavour. Creating a Matcha smoothie brings out some of the best parts of Matcha’s authentic taste whilst helping to make reach your five a day more achievable. Packing more fruit into a diet isn’t the only upside to having a Matcha Smoothie, this superfood helps to strengthen up an immune system thanks to its abundance of antioxidants and is even handy for using as part of a detox diet.
Matcha Mojito
From cosmopolitans to daiquiris, there are a handful of familiar faces on any cocktail menu. Taking a twist on a traditional favourite, the Matcha mojito is set to become a summer staple. The ingredients that go together to create a refreshing Matcha mojito don’t stray too far from the more well-known, original recipe. Alongside the usual partners of sugar and water, the syrup for a Matcha mojito adds just one teaspoon of Matcha powder to really enhance its flavour. Once mixed with tonic water, the Matcha mojito is ready to serve.
Eating Matcha
Matcha can be enjoyed in more ways than one; its authentic flavour works equally as well for a delicious bite to eat as it does when creating refreshing drinks. During the summer months, a scoop of Matcha ice cream will provide the ultimate cooling comfort. Matcha powder can also be used when cooking as a healthier alternative to seasonings to create new and different flavours.
Create the perfect Matcha drink with authentic blends from Atelier Japan
All of the Matcha products that feature on the Atelier Japan website have been expertly blended to ensure that only the most authentic and delicious flavours come through when preparing one of the many ways to enjoy Matcha. Matcha isn’t the only traditional blend that is available to sample, either. From Brown Rice Tea to Hoji Cha, there is a whole range of beautifully flavoured, traditional Japanese blends to choose from.
Golden Week – Japan's National Holidays
Japan’s culture is known to be one of the most traditional and rich in the world. The people of Japan host an abundance of celebrations each year that have become embedded in their culture throughout their very long cultural history. Golden Week brings together four different national events as one huge celebration of Japan’s rich culture. Golden Week is an important and special time for much of Japan’s population with most choosing to take part in the celebrations. Whether it’s adorning their homes and neighbourhoods with bright and colourful decorations such as vibrant lanterns and Koinobori or heading to local celebrations for each event with close friends and family, this traditional goings-on is a way for each and every person to recognise and honour both Japan’s culture and its community.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is just one of the important celebrations within Golden Week. The meaning of democracy has become an important aspect of Japanese culture; Constitution Day was chosen as the day to reflect on democracy and its role within the Japanese government. In the early noughties, newspapers reported on a part of the Japanese constitution that focuses on settling international disputes. Although article nine came into effect after the second world war in the late 1940’s, the reports in the newspapers demonstrate how Constitution Day brings reflecting on the importance of democracy back into relevance today.
Greenery Day
The environment and nature are highly respected in Japanese culture. Emperor Hirohito had an incredibly strong interest in plants and the beauty of nature, so much so that he established a day to celebrate all of its wonders. Greenery Day traditionally encourages the people of Japan to nurture and reflect on nature. The main event during Greenery Day is a festival held in Tokyo which is attended by the reigning Emperor and Empress. After addressing and greeting the attendees of the festival, the guests of honour carry out the historic tradition of planting a tree and sowing seeds. After the opening ceremony, the celebrations of Greenery Day continue with processions of Japanese floats along Japan’s beautiful, flowing rivers. As this significant day comes to an end, the dark night skies of Japan are illuminated with bright paper lanterns and mesmerising fireworks to mark the close of Greenery Day in the most stunning way possible. Not everyone in Japan is able to attend the main event, instead, many choose to celebrate this day by either planting trees or reflecting upon nature in other thoughtful activities.
Showa Day
As a highly important figure, the birthday of Emperor Hirohito is a day to be celebrated nationally. After the Emperor’s death in 1989, Showa Day was established to commemorate his life. The day’s importance is revealed even further when considering that it even moved the traditional Greenery Day from its original date from the 29th of April to the 4th of May. Showa Day encourages the public to reflect on the turbulent six decades of Hirohito’s reign and how he acted as a role model for many.
Children’s Day
The 5th day of the 5th month in the year marks the final celebration of Golden Week; Children’s Day has been a national holiday since 1948, however, it has been a day of celebration in Japan since ancient times. This last event honours the individual strengths of children along with their happiness and the joy that they bring. Many of the traditions of Children’s Day use food to symbolise the meaning of the day. One of the most popular traditions is for those celebrating the festival to eat rice cakes that have been filled with bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves to symbolise strength.
Koinobori
Koinobori are perhaps the most recognised symbol of Golden Week. These traditional decorations are beautifully designed to feature bright and vibrant colours to ensure that they can be seen from afar. The Koinobori are often hung so that they can float in the wind just how they would appear when swimming in the rivers or the sea. The Koinobori are traditionally displayed to represent a family; the Black carp represents the father figure, this carp holds the Japanese name of Magoi and is usually the largest fish. The Red carp, which is known as the Higoi, represents the mother. The last carp is usually green or blue in colour and, as the smallest fish, represents the child of the family, traditionally the son. Above the family of koi sits a colourful flying dragon streamer.
Celebrate Golden Week With Gifts From Atelier Japan
The luxury handcrafted collections on Atelier Japan link perfectly to Japan’s rich culture and the traditions of the national holidays of Golden Week. From perfectly blended Matcha and fine hand-painted pottery to beautifully crafted ornaments, the creations from our expert makers are a wonderful way to celebrate Golden Week at any time of the year.
