Hey Hey Everybody, I'm happy to see you here! Thank you for all your support. eri-
In Japanese architecture, the engawa (縁側) is a wooden porch that pokes out under the extended roof. It is traditional to Japanese houses and is more than just a passageway, but a buffer zone between the external environment, where you can feel the wind outside while staying under the roof. Here are some of my favorite examples.
The Tsugaru Shamisen is a 3-string instrument played in music from the North region of Japan. It requires an energetic force with fire from the belly to create this unique sound. A true reflection of the grit needed to live in this part of the world.
Starting in the Edo Period (1603-1868) and continuing on to today, the Yoichi area is famous for the herring fish runs, that attracts a significant number of migrant workers to help with the Spring catch. The work is physical, wet, cold and dangerous.
Arguably the most famous traditional song that distinctly incorporates the tsugaru shamisen is a fisherman's working song Sōran Bushi (ソーラン節). During regular intervals of the dance, the words “DOKKOISHO! DOKKOISHO!” and “SORAN! SORAN!” are called. Those words were used in the past to encourage the fisherman during their work.
Rough English Translation:
Oh!!! Soran, soran, soran
soran, soran, soran. (Northern dialect for yes, yes!)
When we hear the jabbering of seagulls on the high seas,
we know we can’t give up our fishing lives on the ocean.
CHORUS
Put your backs into it! Heave, ho! Heave, ho! (Heave, ho! Heave, ho!)
Oh!!! Soran...
Boss, I tell you, the size of this catch of herring
is different from all the others. And it's all MINE.
Oh!!! Soran...
Even if I row four and a half metres,
I couldn't get that girl's attention.
Oh!!! Soran...
A flighty seagull twitters in excitement
As it sees my bare skin, glistening with ocean surf.
Do seek out some of the many versions online. You will truly feel the culture of the North. Copy and paste for your search: ソーラン節
Katana Kake (刀架) is used to hold/display swords and often made of lacquer wood. This example is from the Meiji period and is adorned with mother of pearl inlay.
Netsuke (根付) are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical function. Attached to the end of a cord, the netsuke functioned as so the cord would not slip through the belt if items were hung to carry.
Inro (印籠) is a traditional Japanese case for holding small objects, suspended from the obi (sash) worn around the waist by men during the Edo period. They are often highly decorated, in a variety of materials and techniques, in particular often using lacquer. The nested boxes could carry medicine and other small articles.
Tsuba (鍔) is the hand guard of the sword carried in days of old. Today, they are very collectible and often sold by licensed antique dealers.
Obidome (帯留) is a piece of jewelry made to be worn at the center front of an obi (sash) on a women's kimono, and very popular in modern day Japan.
Another example of a beautiful lacquered Inro.
Inden-ya (印傳屋) is a 400-year-old form of traditional leather work which applies lacquer on deer skin. Samurai loved this craft for gloves to bags. The designs are geometrical patterns that repeat and come in a variety of colors and still very popular today.
Hakoseko (筥迫) is similar to a women's cosmetic bag and is used to carry makeup or other essential items such as a small mirror and comb. It is still an essential item for women when the kimono is worn.
Okobo (おこぼ) are still worn today by apprentice geisha called maiko san. The sandal footwear is usually five to six inches tall (13 to 15 cm).
Kiseru (煙管) is a Japanese smoking pipe. The case was highly decorated and often had a matching pouch for the tobacco, a popular accessory for men during the late Edo to the Meiji period.
Kanzashi (簪) come in many styles. This is a lacquered comb style is worn in the center top to keep a women's hair in place.
Kaiken (懐剣) is one of the styles of Japanese daggers, and is also called a guardian sword. When the long Japanese sword was restricted to carry, such as in a small room or shrine, the kaiken was often kept on one's body. During the Edo period, women also carried a kaiken.
Traditional Japanese Desig
Chequered patterns have been popular in countries around the world throughout history. In Japan, the chequered pattern was known as “ichimatsu moyo” in the Edo period (1603-1867), and this design is still used to expresses a refined elegance and sophistication that exemplifies Japan.
Here are some of my favorite examples ~ do enjoy.
~ Embracing Imperfectio
Kintsugi (金継ぎ, “golden joinery”) is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with gold, silver, or sometimes platinum. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something you hide or disguise.
The concept of highlighting or emphasizing imperfections, focusing on the mends and seams, is intended to bring a unique additive of beauty. Enjoy 10 of my favorites.
I'm starting a new project in 2020. Soon, I'll be unveiling my “All That Fluff” Website, and of course ~ I'll be linking it to my Coil account. This will allow me to focus solely on expanded versions of all things Japanese content. Very best to you, as we say goodbye to 2019.
Coming soon......it's not always about size.
Japanese Proverb:
A Frog in the well cannot see the ocean.
井の中の蛙大海を知らず
I NO NAKA NO KAWAZU TAIKAI WO SHIRAZU
Meaning: An individual who cannot or refuses to see the big picture because of being sheltered and close-minded.
Hello! I'm going to start using Coil to expand on the Japanese “fluff” stories that are in my Crypto Eri Youtube channel videos. It should be fun for people who would like to go a little deeper into subjects introduced. Thank you everyone for your time and support! See you soon.
