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Check the Nikka Yuko Calendar for dates and times.
Bonsai
Bonsai literally "potted plant" is the art of aesthetic miniaturization of trees by growing them in containers. Originating in Chinese penjing “tray scenery”, Japanese bonsai developed its localization of techniques and aesthetics after its introduction to Japan by imperial embassies returning from China in the ninth century. In Western culture, the word "bonsai" is commonly used as an umbrella term for all miniature trees.
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Bonseki
Bonseki is the ancient Japanese art of creating miniature landscapes on black lacquer trays using white sand, pebbles, and small rocks. Small delicate tools are used in Bonseki such as feathers, small flax brooms, sifters, spoons and wood wedges. The trays are either oval or rectangular, measuring about 60 by 35 centimeters in size. Oval trays have a low rim while rectangular ones are flat.
Bonseki scenes often depict mountains, seashores, and gardens. Small stones are used to represent mountains, shore lines or rocky islands that waves break upon. Miniature structures, usually of painted copper, are sometimes added.
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Calligraphy (Shuji)
Art of beautiful, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering with pen or brush and ink. It involves the correct formation of characters, the ordering of the various parts, and the harmony of proportions.
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Chado (The Way of Tea) - Japanese Tea Ceremony
Take part in a time-honoured tradition and share a bowl of tea, prepared by hostesses schooled in the tea traditions of Japan.
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Chigiri-e
Exotic and unique pictures are created using torn, imported Japanese paper.
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Hagoita
Hagoita are rectangular wooden paddles, originating in Japan, ostensibly used to play hanetsuki, but often instead serving a more ornamental purpose. These are frequently painted, usually with lacquer, with auspicious symbols, or decorated with complex silk collages. This tradition dates to the 17th century, and although the game itself is now rarely played, crafting decorative hagoita is still commonplace.
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Hanetsuki
Hanetsuki is a Japanese traditional game, similar to badminton except there is no net, and is played with a rectangular wooden paddle, called a hagoita, and a brightly-coloured shuttlecock. Often played by girls at the New Year, the game can be played in two fashions, by one person attempting to keep the shuttlecock aloft as long as possible, or by the two people batting it back and forth. Girls who fail to hit the shuttlecock get marked on the face with India ink. Traditionally, the longer the shuttlecock remains in the air, the greater protection from mosquiotoes the players will receive during the coming year.
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Iaido
Iaidō,is a Japanese martial art associated with smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. Modern day iaidō exponents typically use a blunted metal practice sword.
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Ikebana
In contrast to the massing of blooms typical of flower arrangement in western countries, Japanese flower arrangement is based on the line of twigs and/or leaves, filled in with a small number of blooms. The container is also a key element of the composition. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man.
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Kanzashi
Kanzashi are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Kanzashi first appeared when women abandoned the traditional taregami hairstyle wherethe hair was kept long and straight, and adopted coiffured nihongami hairstyles. An ornamental hairpin used for self-protection by the women of fuedal Japan.
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Kimekomi
Kimekomi is a technique of doll making in which the doll form is carved of wood and then covered with pieces of fabric which are inserted into slits in the wood to give the illusion of clothing.
The wood is carved into the shape of a doll in full clothing, and all effect of folding and draping of fabric is achieved in the carving process. When the fabric is added, it is stretched tightly across the form and the edges tucked into the grooves, perfectly fitting over its area of the 'clothing'.
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Kokeshi dolls
Kokeshi dolls are made of wood and have no arms or legs. There are many different styles, but all are simple in their design with a head and a body - a sphere and a cylinder. They are usually very small, just few inches tall, but may be larger. The original dolls were always female.
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Koto
A traditional Japanese musical instrument or zither with 13 strings and 180cm (70 inches) in length. The strings are plucked using ivory picks on the forefinger, middle finger and thumb of the right hand.
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Kumihimo
Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braid-making. Cords and ribbons are made by interlacing strands. Kumihimo cord was first created by a form of finger-loop braiding. Later tools such as the Marudai and the Takadai were employed to make more complex braids in shorter time. The most prominent historical use of the cords were by Samurai as both a functional and decorative way to lace their lamellar armor, and that of their horses' armor (barding). Kumihimo cords are now used as ties on haori jackets and obijimes, which are used for tying on an obi (kimono sash)
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Mizuhiki
Mizuhiki is a ribbon-like paper cord. It was originally used when exchanging gifts in Japan for many generations. It is made from washi (classical Japanese paper) and cut into long thin strips, which have been twisted into strings then covered with glue made of seaweed and white clay to stiffen it. It is from this process that mizuhiki gets its name: Mizu means water and hiki means to apply. After the cord is formed it is polished to a shine with cotton cloth or wrapped with colored silk or thin metallic paper for hundreds of beautiful color combinations. There are only a few areas in Japan where mizuhiki is being produced.
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Musha Dolls (Boy's Dolls)
Musha dolls are made for boys to display on Boys' Day (May 5). These dolls are of boys or young men who were heroes in history or folk tales (such as the Peach Boy), or just common boys. The gogatsu are warriors and are dressed as samurai or nobles. Through these dolls the boys learned to appreciate their history and culture.
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Oyama Doll
These beautiful dolls have porcelain faces, human or horse hair, and are beautifully dressed in traditional costumes often made of fine silk. They are about 14 - 18 inches tall.
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Odori Dance
Traditional dances performed in the streets during the summer Obon festival.
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Origami
The Japanese art of folding paper into shapes representing flowers or animals.
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Sanshin
Sanshin (literally meaning 3-strings) is an Okinawan musical instrument, and the precursor of the Japanese shamisen. Often likened to a banjo, it consists of a snakeskin covered body, neck and three-strings.
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Shakuhachi bamboo flutes
Japanese bamboo flute with four finger holes; great flexibility of tone and pitch through half holing and head movements.
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Located on the corner of 9th Avenue South and Mayor Magrath Drive
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(Next to Henderson Lake) in Lethbridge, Alberta - Canada :: Get Directions |
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© 2007 Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden |
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