Handcrafted Beauty
- At February 20, 2021
- By admin
- In Annes Letters
0
Dear Family and Friends,
Every year Sendai has a traditional crafts fair. Despite Corona worries, it was held this year, too, but on a much smaller scale.[1] Being a gorgeous Saturday, I decided to head downtown to enjoy the day and the fine works, all crafted locally.
Since it is a traditional fair, the items have been made here for centuries. Among many others on display, there were good-fortune Daruma, kokeshi dolls, and zori sandals.
But a modern flair was also allowed. Startlingly, wooden “Tansu” chests, renowned for their dark natural color, appeared in pink and light violet. Other options were green and bright blue! Was that to ensure their continuation by luring young women, who seem to have huge spending power these days?
It was wonderful being out, so after appreciating each piece in the show, I decided to take a long route home. Totally unexpectedly, I saw a young man diligently cutting ice outside a rather exquisite hotel near Sendai Station. Next to him was a glimmering ice sculpture. I was intrigued, so went for a closer look.
It turns out this young craftsman worked in the hotel’s restaurant. However, every Saturday in winter the manager allowed him to pursue his hobby outside the main entrance. He designed and executed stunning pieces of ice art each week. Even though today had hints of warmth, his work was holding up nicely.
The large island in the north of Japan, Hokkaido, has a famous Snow Festival every year (not this year, though). During that time, huge snow and ice sculptures are displayed all over downtown Sapporo. This Sendai artist hopes to go there someday to compete with other individuals worldwide. When he goes, I am sure he will do well.
Since my world is rather limited these days, from my broken arm and Corona concerns, this day’s outing, seeing beautiful handcrafted items, was a gift to be treasured for a long time to come.
Love,
Anne
[1] This Tohoku region has far fewer cases than other areas of the country. And this week, inoculations began nationwide, including here in Tohoku. It has started with healthcare workers and will gradually become available to the entire population. Japan wants to clear the way for safe Olympics Games this summer, so is seriously and methodically making the shots available for everyone.
Every year Sendai has a traditional crafts fair. Despite Corona worries, it was held this year, too, but on a much smaller scale.[1] Being a gorgeous Saturday, I decided to head downtown to enjoy the day and the fine works, all crafted locally.
Since it is a traditional fair, the items have been made here for centuries. Among many others on display, there were good-fortune Daruma, kokeshi dolls, and zori sandals.
But a modern flair was also allowed. Startlingly, wooden “Tansu” chests, renowned for their dark natural color, appeared in pink and light violet. Other options were green and bright blue! Was that to ensure their continuation by luring young women, who seem to have huge spending power these days?
It was wonderful being out, so after appreciating each piece in the show, I decided to take a long route home. Totally unexpectedly, I saw a young man diligently cutting ice outside a rather exquisite hotel near Sendai Station. Next to him was a glimmering ice sculpture. I was intrigued, so went for a closer look.
It turns out this young craftsman worked in the hotel’s restaurant. However, every Saturday in winter the manager allowed him to pursue his hobby outside the main entrance. He designed and executed stunning pieces of ice art each week. Even though today had hints of warmth, his work was holding up nicely.
The large island in the north of Japan, Hokkaido, has a famous Snow Festival every year (not this year, though). During that time, huge snow and ice sculptures are displayed all over downtown Sapporo. This Sendai artist hopes to go there someday to compete with other individuals worldwide. When he goes, I am sure he will do well.
Since my world is rather limited these days, from my broken arm and Corona concerns, this day’s outing, seeing beautiful handcrafted items, was a gift to be treasured for a long time to come.
Love,
Anne
[1] This Tohoku region has far fewer cases than other areas of the country. And this week, inoculations began nationwide, including here in Tohoku. It has started with healthcare workers and will gradually become available to the entire population. Japan wants to clear the way for safe Olympics Games this summer, so is seriously and methodically making the shots available for everyone.
