As I write I am drinking Sakura green tea, it is mild, gentle with almost a cream soda sort of flavour, it perfectly reflects the delicate essence of Japan. Sakura being cherry blossom and at this time of year people would be partaking in Hanami, that is drinking under the cherry blossom. It is a centuries old tradition, that was once the privilege of royalty, then spread through the samurai order to the masses. This year, there are no parties under the cherry trees across Japan, but the tradition will not die and will be enjoyed again next year.
Why the fascination with Sakura, well all will be obvious in a moment.
I was challenged, last week, (I hear you giggle muttering he has always been challenged) to enter into the spirit of the recreating of famous paintings with everyday items laying around the house. Not one that I could refuse having opened the vast trunks that are my dressing up boxes.
My first attempt was Waterhouse’s Lady of Shallot
It got good mentions for the water lilies. Flushed with success we attempted the Great Wave too early, old snapping bamboo canes and a breeze defeated us, but we will return to this later. For comparison we show the first attempt here.
A lot of work required, but we will get there.
Finally Three men in a boat – adjusted for Social Distancing
So you can see lots of fun and we will strive to do better. Jun wisely opts to be behind the lens rather than in front.
Some links to help you through these dark times:
Coronavirus and the language of war
We are using the language of conflict to talk about the current pandemic. There are many parallels, but the comparison is not exact.
Geoffrey Mackett 