"Few paintings of the period capture the force, confusion, and terror of battle as effectively as does the episode of the burning of the Sanjō Palace in the Heiji monogatari emaki." - The Encyclopaedia Britannica One night in January 1160, a band of 500 men stormed the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa's palace at Sanjō, took the former emperor captive, killed most of his staff … [Read more...] about The Heiji Monogatari Emaki – Interactive Scroll Now Online
Art
Deep Nara #1 – Kojiki Exhibition
Last month Mewby and I went down to Nara and took in the Kojiki exhibition currently ongoing at Nara Prefectural Art Museum. I would happily recommend the exhibition as a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of every aspect of Japan's oldest book. Whether, you are interested in the deepest roots of Japanese culture, ancient mythology and the glorious art it has inspired, … [Read more...] about Deep Nara #1 – Kojiki Exhibition
Two Views from Yasaka Shrine
Here are two views from Yasaka Shrine separated by time. Both images give us a "bronze lion's eye view" down Shijo as seen from the entrance to Yasaka Shrine. The first is a recent image painted by my hopelessly romantic friend Ichsan. Do please visit his Facebook page to see more of his wonderful paintings. This is the image of Gion with which we are familiar today. And … [Read more...] about Two Views from Yasaka Shrine
The Artist Brian Williams
Last week I visited the artist Brian Williams at his studio, sat down for a chat and had a sneak preview of his upcoming exhibition at Kiyomizu Temple. Brian is due to have a special one night exhibit of his parabolic paintings this Saturday evening (May 14th) - the first time ever in 1200 years that any art has been exhibited on the famous Kiyomizu balcony. Brian is famous … [Read more...] about The Artist Brian Williams
The Legend of UrBANGUILD
Let me tell you a story, about a place called UrBANGUILD... It's a kind of fairytale, but that doesn't mean it isn't true. And it all began in another place. A place that I like to call cafe underpants. Once upon a time there was an honest carpenter named Jiro. One day, Jiro was hired by a man of property to design and build a cafe. Jiro was a very fine carpenter and … [Read more...] about The Legend of UrBANGUILD
