On Saturday, when I was at Marinart for the ballet, there was an exhibit hall on the first floor featuring a hanging hina doll exhibition. I came back on Tuesday morning, which happened to be the last day of the exhibition. It was early and not many other visitors, so I was able to talk with the hostess ladies, who were also the makers of all these beautiful things. There were 12 students and their teacher in the group that filled a room bigger than a gymnasium.
Not everything was hanging or dolls, but all of it was beautiful and creative and so very Japanese.
This table showcased seasons and holidays.
The one below represents Tanabata, which is a big holiday in my town.
The doll on the right is the maker’s granddaughter on her first day of school.
Below is the Hina Matsuri, or Girl’s Day.
The next few pictures are from the New Year display.
The next two pictures illustrate the 12 zodiac creatures. I was born in a boar year.
The shrine building in this display was made by the husband of the teacher.
Does this inspire you to want to make a hanging hina display? It does me! If you’d like to see more of these cute things, check out this page on Queenie’s Needlework blog. She adds three new pieces each year.
Scarf progress - more filling in
Japanese Pattern 46
Hawaiian - a little more progress
Bristol Bag Etui progress
My friend’s niece invited me to join their family for her ballet recital. I’ve seen her recitals for years and it’s been wonderful seeing how she has advanced. She is so beautiful and graceful - a natural ballerina.
The performance started with the youngest dancers and they were so cute. This was followed by many dancers (including my friend’s niece) in “beat of the music” all wearing the same wispy black dresses, then a pas de deux with two of the advanced level dancers. The main story was a long three part story of Sleeping Beauty. In the prologue, my friend’s niece was one of three canary spirits. Later she was one of Princess Aurora’s friends, and then Little Red Riding Hood.
I thoroughly enjoyed it all. It was a very professional production, with all levels of dancers included in all parts of the performance. My friend’s niece and her family are so kind to always ask me to join them.
I’m continuing with the year 5 quilt. I pieced some smaller pieces of cat fabrics in my stash to make the backing. (This needs a good press).
I cut 2 1/2 inch strips from the left overs. My plan is to make a scrappy binding out of these strips.
With tiny pieces that are at least 2 1/2 inch square, I made some additional hexagons for some future project.
Using up my fabrics and not buying new is making me extremely happy.
Friday I traveled to Izu Kogen, at the invitation of the carving teacher I previously took a couple of classes. If you are interested in Buddhist wood carving, please contact Mr. Hitoshi Yamazaki.
The statues in this section of the exhibit were carved by Mr. Yamazaki. Not only were these statues interesting to look at, but he explained many things about the carvings and Buddhism in English for us!
The statues in this section of the exhibit are carved by student carvers.
The exhibition is being held at Art Gallery Sauin inside the Izu Kogen Station for a few more days: May 22, 23, 25, 28, 30, from 10 am - 4 pm, and admission is free. I highly recommend checking it out!
