2012年11月14日 17:18
As time goes by.
It's almost been two months since I arrived to Japan. Still, everything seems just as new and exciting as it did during my first days.
But Tondaya is perpetually changing, which reminds me that time keeps flowing by, no matter how much I'd like to freeze it to this very moment. Transition and seasonality are very important when it comes to the Japanese culture, being reflected in the gardens and domestic landscapes, as well as in the composition of the house itself.
Traditional Japanese rooms build alcoves - tokonoma - into every room where guests are being received, decorating them with objects of artistic value, such as flower arrangements or hanging scrolls, called kakemono. These are constantly replaced, depending on the season and the occasion. As Tondaya is blessed with an extensive collection of such works of art, the moment of choosing a new scroll to exhibit is welcomed by everyone.
Most of the kakemono displayed during the previous month celebrate the beautiful moon, its appreciation culminating with the moon viewing festival that took place on September 22nd this year.
Now, time has come to pay tribute to the colourful autumn leaves, called momiji. Kyoto has a vast number of places where they can be admired in their full splendour, and I cannot wait to visit them all!