ken kata

I remember seening  that " here and there " on the 'net....  

One artical said that gentleman did not take any swords home.

Alton 

Added..

I remember seeing it at Fred's place.. 

https://www.Japanese-swords.com/pages/new.htm

Hello Forum..

I saw this...

Thought I'd post this update.

I did get contacted..

I,myself, have not watched it yet..

Can't wait for that feeling of "forfillment" for them.. 

Alton

Hello Guys..

Next venture, for me.. in the quest for learning,  is Karatsu ware.

I got this "Vintage", E Karatsu Water Jar.

Was...well     ... "cheap", so, I wonder if...  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd1Mflyqeqs 

The outside looks old, but, the inside looks  "New"..

I can't read the box.

Music helps bring out the passion, of the " highs and lows "  in the artisian's Brush work..

Especially for  the "  Wabi "   ... 

Sakuhachi is "Badass" yea.. 

Hope you guys like it..

Steve, I going catch the Kogos' soon 

NHK's  Ceremic Treasures is a convient, well presented Series , to learn about > v

                  ^<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEcZU-z7sz8&t=640s

Hello Guys... 

Nezumi Shino

Is there a name for the Brush stroked "leaves" pattern, that is "synomous" with Shino's most popular 'Motifs".

Looks like Water reeds/grass. or, do they represent Rice?

Nezumi Shino Vase.  Has a touch of Iga... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrRxtsL9S9Q

Japanese Ceramic Incense Boxes.. Kogo    I like those..

Another "endless obsession", with the amount of them available.. 

Hi Guys..

Thanks guys..

I was hoping guys like the videos.. and my "Collection".

I know I ain't no "Kurosawa" yet.. ( I am a big fan of Akira.. )

Big fan if Yoji Yamada's Trilogy..( If you notice the sound Tracks)

Yes, Alex.. I will get you close ups.. 

I think I got the box (Tomobako) cover "Up side Down" in the video  "visible at"  ( Alex    )  2:35 ?

Don't you guys think that Chawan is Special" in it's own way? " Man, the Crazy Crazing.. ( Kannyu) "Order out of Chaos"..

Hello Guys..

Hope all is having a relaxing Sunday..

For your viewing pleasure...

Japanese Gunomi Display..

I don't collect much. I just wanted some..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKKaac59b2k

Hello Guys..

Shuichi Kato - Japan Sprit and Form

The Cosmos in the Hand : ( 

Along with his other presentations,

helped me a lot with understanding Japanese history/religion/culture.

It has, also,  driven me to "obsession".  .

but, I enjoy looking at each Tea Bowl from time to time.

Togishi Bob Benson was here last year.. Bob  too, likes Raku Bowls..

Made this video of the "New" wall display of Raku, and,, other  bowls and items..

Something to watch this weekend..

Hope you like it.. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6DK8Sq80_U

Alton <  Ken is my middle (Japanese) name.. 

My Dad said that is how they named  children in his days.. I think it is not pronounced like  'Barbie and Ken"  Ken.

Hello guys..

In the early '90's..

I was into Pioneer Laser Disc, and, I had a lot of Japanese Imports with this kind of Music. 

It was called "New Age" .. New Age had it's own huge section, when there was CD's and DVD's for sale, at that time.

and, was Kinda "abstract" , Background/Soundtrack" type Music.

I was into High end stereos, too, so, these had , "cutting edge" Sound.. ?.

Thanks for posting.

From the movie " Dual at Kongo-in no Ketto"

Sekishusai holds one of my Oribe Chawans..

I got it in the original box, signed by Sekishusai himself.. Dated with the release of the Movie's opening night.

 ( nah.. Only joking.. I saw the Chawan, and had to show you guys that screen shots..    sorry Steven  )

Miyamoto Musashi, in this version,  is played by Chiezo Kataoka..

later, he played the role of Sado , in a later version of Miyamoto Musashi.

Hi Guys..

 I don't  "use" these bowls..

Well,..  I do use one Oribe for ramen and other stuff.   Tofu with Furikake and Shoyu..

My items..

I do hold and look at them a lot..

My mother is old, but, she and I look at them, and, we try to "Feel' which position that our hands "Fit" ,  ( like, how the potter must have felt was best..)

I try to explain what I know about the pieces, and, point out the highlights of each, or, what makes each one of  them 'special".

I don't know if that does anything ( She's old) , but, she does appreciate and participates.. That is the main thing..

I do not do the Tea Ceremony.. although I do drink a lot of tea every day..

I do come here and share what I got..

 At night, my escape is in Japan, Hawaii...

I'm so busy everyday..  " You never worked for the private sector.. They expect results  " -  From Ghostbusters..

Hello Guys..

Made this short video of my Japanese Statues..

Some were said to be from the 1800's..

These are the "Wise Men", or, "Masters",  (  and, I am the disciple..)

https://youtu.be/FucJ7CwYswg

Thanks for viewing..

Howzit guys..

Most of the items are on "Shelves/Racks"..

( Finally made the shelves the other month  )

I do have Little "Nest/pockets" of small groupings..

Cabinets need lighting.

Glass needs constant "Cleaning/Dusting"..

That video I made, was the "Main" living room display table, and,

I do change out the "featured" theme items every month..

 I tried to make the video look like " walking thru a Japanese Antique Store".

( Seen Chris Glenn's Old Japanese Store video?     )

1)       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq1rcNjVGBw

2)       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY_iR1BCNbY&t=10s

I like watching theses. So much to see...

Chris is

Thanks for posting guys..

Alton < Japanese, but, not real Japanese..     

Hello , Good Morning..

Now on display at home... My Ao-Oribe , or, Green Oribe ware.

As Robin did.. Videos,  seems to be more satisfying to observe...

https://youtu.be/CGD5Yj86uso

Hello Steven,

The other patterns are raised..

the cross hatch lines, the symbols are all raised above the surface.

so, not hand etched..

More like "Stamped"..

Mass produced?..      

>>>>  Souvenir from a foreign Tourist Shop ? 

Alton < Chances are slim to none.. 

Hello Guys..

May I share, this " Most Precious "  Seto Chawan I just got..

There is so much features in this Bowl, as, it encompasses most all the aspects I/we, look for in Old Japanese Ceramics.

It is one of those "I just got to have it" things..

And, I am trying "Hard", to avoid all Worldly Desires...  Not working...

"Money is the root of all evil, and, collectables" - Alton Takata

I am going to get rid of all my Money. Bad stuff. 

There is so much "writings' on this Bowl too.

May I please ask,

Would someone be willing to look and translate the Writings?

Are  the Inscriptions and symbol  on the inner sections a Potter's/Kiln  markings?

Thanks for viewing...    Alton 

Wabi-Sabi -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmHLYhxYVjA&t=87s

Hi Steve,

The middle two "Objects", are raised/relief.

Although, they look like depressions in the photo.

Hello Guys,

I go this old Plate.

It might not be Japanese at all...

but, I thought it might be an old Oribe Plate.

The surface has ashes imbedded, so, I assume it was being used as an Incense Burner/plate.

The designs are simple patterns, and with the greens, which is why it  made me think Oribe.

Also posted for your viewing.. a couple of old Seto vases I have..

"This is a case that is similar to how we view authenticity of swords. "

in another way, after watching so many episodes of Begin Japanology,

The Japanese try making lots of things the world offers, and, they see if they can do it, and, using "Japanese Sensibility".

and,  have been, in some cases, passing the world's leaders in those respected fields.

  " Muscat Bailey A "  Grapes? 

Grey, after reading that, what a waste that the Hakushu ended up with me..

Ripple wine is more of my level of "Connoisseurness"..  

Thanks for posting guys..

Alton

Hello Guys..

Got this Iga Chawan last week..

Wicked Shomen ( Front )

Tomobako ( Wooden Box) looks old..

" Being able to read the language of your Collectables, is a big advantage" - Alton Takata

Thanks for viewing.

Chris, I will enjoy sipping $$ Whiskey, from a Japanese Gunomi..

  I hardly drink, so, I will be a bit "Tipsy" , looking at my collection..

Steven, it's spookier than that...

I used to play a lot of 9 Ball.

Met Dave at the "Pool Room"..

Then, met him again at 24 hour fitness (Gym).

and.. to find out, he is the brother/son..

Talented Family, I must say.. All tops in their own ways..

Thanks for posting GUys

More about Hakushu: 

A perennial favorite and a must-try for anyone interested in discovering Japanese whisky. Hakushu is owned by Suntory, founders of the first Japanese distillery, Yamazaki. The original Hakushu distillery was built in 1973, with another distillery building called Hakushu Higashi (west) added in 1981. 

Hakushu 12yo has aroma of pears, crushed leafy bracken a hint of citrus. You can enjoy subtle smokiness and the sweet poached pears on the palate. -

 https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/2922/suntory-hakushu-12-year-old

Well...

Had to have a relevant tittle..

A girl asked me to do a repair, and, in return, She gave me a gift.. A bottle of

"The Hakushu Japanese Whiskey"..

Label says:

Distilled at a single Distillery, using Malted Barley.

Aged 12 Years.

The Distillery surrounded by Forest at the Foot of the Southern Japanese Alps. 

HAKUSHI DISTILLERY

Produced and bottled by Suntory

Later, I find out, that pretty girl was the daughter of a friend, who was one of the leaders of the Japanese Sword Society, 

and is Ken Hawaii's Sensei. What a small world.. (or Island, being in Hawaii)    

I saw, this Whisky is of high quality.

Bottles are selling for several hundred dollars. wow..   

Thank you Ms. LH..

Thanks for viewing..

 Alton < aka Ken Kata  

Soraku Sasaki - Raku Chawan...

Actually, did I do more harm? ... 

As, in the other "collectables", Collector's do not like "unknowns" to do work/repairs on Collectable Items.

Again, watch this video about Kintsugi:

https://www.youtube....UTQkaSSTY&t=36s

Alton

Iga-yaki ...

Another interesting adventure into Japanese Ceramics.

After Raku, I went into Kyomizu..

Kyomizu took me into Japanese ink paintings, or, "Landscapes of the Mind"..

From Kyomizu, I went to Mino-yaki.

Mino-yaki brought me Shino and Oribe... "Distorted and Irregular shapes and crazing"

It was crazing, or Kannyu, that lead me to ..

Hagi-yaki.... Kannyu brings old/stained beauty. Wabi-Sabi"..

 Wabi Sabi >  Iga-yaki

I got this Mizusashi (Water Container)..

Said to be from the Edo Period.

I don't think this is one of those triple fired pieces.

The Natural Glazing has greens , but, not as much, or, as dark as the really good pieces.

Most of my items are "low priced"..

Thanks for viewing,

Alton

Hello Robin,

Hello guys...

I am still a learning about Japanese Ceramics.

I will try help from what I watch and 'learned", or, "My thoughts".

I started venturing into Iga-yaki a few weeks ago,

after Dan posted his Iga yunomi.

You say it did not have a box, but, after, you say the box is a tight fit for the Bowl.

So, I was not sure if you meant the box stampings,  and seller listed it as Iga.

Your Chawan looks like made on a wheel.

Different Varity/class of Iga ware (?) ,  from those hand made "Wabi-Sabi", rolled pieces stacked and blended together ones.

The clay looks kind of  dark. I was looking if got lots of sand grains in the gouge lines.

Greens are 'Natural Glaze" from the high heat ( ?) , but,

the piece does not look as distorted/distressed as those multiple fired pieces usually associated with Iga-yaki  (  al la Momoyama  )..

I don't even know if the Potter's stamp is the right way.

Is your photo "Up-side Down"?

Posted below is the Potter's Seal index that was on the 'net..

Harder than playing "Where's Waldo"..

Hint:  Ask your kids to help.. They are good at this kind stuff.

Alton

From the NHK 2003 Drama "Miyamoto Musashi".

Takezo visits Honami Koetsu's home.

Observing all the activities going on around him,

Takezo asked Koetsu's Mother, 

                                       "What are you doing here?"....

She explains.

" Searching for things that are beautiful..

        Beauty can't be found in animosity.

                Beauty can be found in hospitality and playfulness"....

Koetsu adds...

         "  Isn't that cup beautiful?

                     Not just it's appearance.

                       Take it in your hand and feel it while you're chatting.

                                                  Then, you can see it's beauty"