March 12th, 2010
If you have ever wondered why the Japanese place so much importance on their formal tea ceremonies; or why their teapots look so much different than Western varieties, then learning about Sen no Rikyu, the “master of tea” himself, might fill in some of the blanks. Rikyu’s memory is celebrated here in this beautifully crafted RIKYU Cast Iron Tea Pot.
- RIKYU Cast Iron Tea Pot
Thanks to the 1989 movie, Rikyu, about the life of Sen no Rikyu during Feudal Japan, the world has gained more appreciation for Rikyu’s idealistic pursuit of aesthetic perfection in tea. Because of this film, Rikyu has become a classic symbol for the “art of tea”.
The infamous Japanese tea ceremony, also known as the “Way of Tea” is a celebrated cultural tradition throughout Japan, which involves the ceremonial preparation of powdered green tea (chanoyu), all choreographed in something known as the “temae”. The whole ceremonious presentation of tea in Japan places emphasis on the artful deliberation that characterizes Zen Buddhism.
This RIKYU cast iron teapot is a replica of the first ones used in Japan, when tea was still made over an open fire. Many were designed to be hung over a hearth as a source of heat and humidity during winter months. Hand-crafted in green cast iron with a bamboo pattern on the lid, this striking tea pot holds up to 45 fluid ounces, is 4” tall, and comes with a removable strainer inside. It makes a unique addition to your kitchen or a wonderful gift!
Tags: japanese tea ceremony, rikyu, rikyu cast iron tea pot, way of tea
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March 3rd, 2010
Great Wave Noren Wall Hanging
Looking for a textural wall hanging or room divider which is also a beautiful work of art? Then you may want to consider this Great Wave Noren. A Noren is a traditional Japanese fabric divider, which can be hung on doors, between rooms, or in windows. To make them more fluid, and passable, Noren usually have long vertical slits right down the middle. They are rectangular in shape and come in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns.
Outside of the home, Noren can be found in restaurants and shops as a wind protector or sun shade, and are also used to display advertising. They are also found in commercial bathhouses, known as Sentō, where they are colored blue for men and red for women.
One way to celebrate this long-held Japanese tradition in your home is with this Noren depicting Hokusai’s famous painting, “The Great Wave at Kanagawa”; an iconic frozen image of a great wave eclipsing Mount Fuji in the distance. While many viewers know this work of art by the “Great Wave” in the foreground, Mount Fuji has always been the focus of this inverted composition.
Fans of Hokusai’s woodblock prints have often looked at this image and assumed it to be a tsunami, but the wave is more likely to be an oversized “okinami”, which is the Japanese word for “ocean wave”. To fully appreciate the artist behind this famous print is to understand that Hokusai was a thoroughly obsessed Bohemian artist who was a singled-minded artistic genius. Later in life he signed one of his final works “The Art-Crazy Old Man”. Perhaps his eccentricity is what drove him to change his name about 30 times and live in some ninety different homes during his 89 years. Hokusai left over 30,000 works of art, including woodblock prints, silk paintings, sketches and picture books.
This magnificent Noren is an excellent way to decorate and furnish your home in Zen fashion and it will enhance any room or doorway. Made from cotton canvas, the Great Wave Noren shown here measures 33” by 59”. Its closed-top seam allows it to be hung with a wooden dowel or bamboo rod.
Tags: Great Wave at Kanagawa, Hokusai, Noren, Zen fashion
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February 22nd, 2010
Blue Koi Yukata Robe
Transform your downtime with this sumptuous Blue Carp Koi Yukata Robe. A lighter-weight cotton version of a traditional Japanese kimono, the Yukata is still widely used in Japan. These summer kimonos are worn by both men and women, but linen “yukatabira” were originally draped around court noblemen after bathing. They didn’t gain popularity with the general public until people started wearing them in Japanese public bathhouses. Today, they are worn quite regularly at Japanese festivals and ryokan, or simply as loungewear.
This Blue Carp Koi Yukata is emblazoned with a legendary symbol of perseverance and strength. According to Japanese legend, a koi fish will generally swim upstream until it reaches the final waterfall, where it vaults itself into the mists and emerges as a water dragon. This is how the koi became emblematic of purposeful determination in the face of adversity, and today it still stands for superior courage.
Also known as a wild carp, many Japanese families keep koi in a garden pond at their home to bring them good fortune or luck. As a result, koi enjoy an elevated status throughout Asia and have become a popular theme for tattoos. It is the koi’s association with worldly aspiration and advancement that make them such a highly regarded symbol of success. Some koi are bred for their spectacular colors, which range from silver and gold to orange, black, yellow and even calico, making them appear like swimming jewels.
Celebrate the beauty and magic of the legendary koi with this Blue Carp Koi Yukata Robe. Its navy blue and white pattern makes an elegant statement in crisp 100% cotton. Made in Japan, this robe is available in three sizes (XL, XXL and XXXL) and includes a matching belt.
Tags: blue carp koi yukata robe, japanese kimono, japanese yukata, Yukata, yukata robe
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February 15th, 2010
If you are tired of winter and need a quick dose of spring fever, consider the Japanese art of Ikebana. Like so many Asian arts, Ikebana brings together the spirituality of nature and humanity with graceful strokes. Even if you are not interested in flower arranging, just the unfolding form of this Ikebana Lotus Flower vase will add a flourish of flora to your home environment.
This beautiful Ikebana vase evokes the blooms of a lotus flower, and is available in blended shades of Hamada Purple, Blue, Purple and Red. Each of these unique hand-crafted vases has a kenzan frong, which holds the stems, keeping them beautiful and fresh for up to three weeks. Remember, Ikebana literally means “flowers kept alive”.
Before you think of Ikebana as a simple method of flower arrangement, remember the Japanese tend to make every art into a highly disciplined skill. Instead of focusing only on the blooms of the flowers, Ikebana emphasizes the whole plant by drawing attention to the shape, form and line of everything from the blooms to the stems and leaves. While it is a form of creative self expression, Ikebana also has some rules. First of all, every part of it must be organic, including grasses, flowers, branches and leaves. The individual creations of Ikebana artists show how much more elaborate and imaginative an arrangement of flowers can be.
As each porcelain vase is hand-crafted, no two are exactly alike, so why not create a unique statement by creating one for every Japanese decorated room in your house? The Ikebana Lotus Flower vase measures 3″ at the base, 6″ at the top and is 3 1/2″ in height. What a great way to kick off spring!
Tags: Ikebana, Ikebana Lotus Flower Vase, Ikebana Vase, Japanese flower arranging, Zen home and garden, Zen home decor
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February 8th, 2010
Pipedream Dream
This is one “pipe dream” that is not too fantastic or illusory to achieve. Just the opposite is true. This is a product that inspires hope and puts the mind at ease. Enchant your spirit and mind with the sparkling notes of this beautiful Pipedream Chime. Its winning design is just as beautiful to look at as it is to play.
Conjure up an image in your mind of the Javanese coast in the South Pacific; tall palms sway in the warm breeze, the sun edges closer to the horizon, and you are at rest in the spirit of the moment. An improvisation begins with a group of Javanese musicians near the water’s edge, and you hear sounds that transport you to another dimension. If you want to recreate the ambiance of the volcanic South Pacific – wherever you are – the Pipedream Java is a dream come true.
The Pipedream Chime is made from precision-tuned tubes that are tuned to the pentatonic scale, so it produces an incredible sound no matter which notes are chimed. Even if you are not musically inclined, you can create your own beautiful music, making them a perfect instrument for musical self-discovery!
Made with precision-tuned tubes that are tuned to the same musical scale as the Javanese ensemble “gamelan degung”, this splendid chime is made in either a black or cherry-finished ash wood, with eight silver tubes and two mallets. It measures 20” long and 12” wide, and makes a beautiful chime addition to your Zen home environment.
Tags: javanese ensemble, pipedream chime, zen home environment
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February 1st, 2010
Nature's Peace Pendant
It is rare to find a truly unique piece of Zen jewelry that doesn’t cost a fortune. That’s why this limited edition “eco-friendly” glass pendant is such a popular item. Individually designed and hand-crafted by artisans, this Nature’s Peace Pendant is made from 100% recycled glass, which is fused together with an exquisite nature photo. This revolutionary process ensures that the photo becomes part of the glass itself, and the sterling silver bail just adds to the pendant’s mystique. What makes these pendants a real “find” is their limited number. The artist only makes 200 pieces of each design, and they sign and number each piece.
If you know someone who is truly unique and beautiful, inside and out, then why not give them something as special as they are? Or maybe you want to wear a piece of jewelry that truly expresses your outlook on life. The Tibetan symbolism used in this piece is a subtle reminder that no matter how ordinary things may appear, all things in life are precious. Wearing a symbol inspired by Zen will encourage you to live fully in the present moment, no matter how mundane it may seem.
Unlike many other pieces of Tibetan-themed Andonia jewelry, the Nature’s Peace pendant doesn’t use traditional symbols like bamboo, cherry blossoms and lotus flowers. Instead it is inspired by the beauty of nature that surrounds us, yet often goes unnoticed. Its translucency creates an interplay of light that produces an extraordinary luminosity that changes with motion. The unique beauty of Andonia is known around the world as the epitome of Zen-inspired jewelry.
This pendant measures 1” x 1” and hangs on a supple, multi-strand cord that 17” long.
Tags: andonia jewelry, natures peace pendant, tibetan jewelry, zen jewelry
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January 25th, 2010
When the two pieces of this Drgaon Tingsha Meditation Cymbal strike each other, they signal the mind and body to relax. This Hindu and Buddhist tradition started out when Tingsha and Cymbal instruments were used in chanting, ceremonies, and ritual offerings. Today’s Tingsha cymbals are used to clear the mind at the beginning of a timed meditation session, and they are rung again to signal the end of a session.
In Asian culture, the dragon symbol is strongly associated with the healing qualities of water, as these creatures are known for being the rulers of rivers, seas and waterfalls. Japanese artists often depict the dragon revealing itself during tornados and twisters on the water.
The traditional Tingsha gong has been used for centuries in Buddhist rituals. Because the metal disks each have a slightly different pitch, the combined effect when they strike each other has a very unique, reverberating sound. Outside of the Buddhist traditions, Tingsha cymbals have been used to clear a space of negative energies and for healing purposes.
Most Tingsha gongs are made of an iron alloy, which has a wonderful tonal quality, but the early gongs also included meteorite material. Casting of the metal often includes decorative symbols like dragons and one of the eight auspicious symbols, as well as imprinted Tibetan characters.
These Dragon Tingsha Meditation Cymbals are cast from a heavyweight metal and have an intricate dragon pattern imprinted on each side. Measuring 3” in diameter, these distinctive cymbals are strung together on a leather thong.
Tags: dragon tingsha meditation cymbals, dragon tingsha meditation symbol
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January 18th, 2010
Low Profile Shoji Screen Room Divider
For many years, the solution to small-space living has been to get a Shoji screen room divider and make the room into a “multi-purpose” space. This is an excellent idea for city dwellers who are trying to fit a bedroom, an office, a living room, and a kitchen into one studio apartment. But one problem I’ve always had with room dividers is their tendency to make a space look smaller. That’s why I was so struck by this simple innovation – a low-profile, 4-panel shoji screen.
This is one of those times when I can be found scratching my head and saying, “Why didn’t I think of this?” Maybe I’m just not “Zen” enough. The important thing is, somebody thought of it.
Now, with this Zen black hardwood Shoji Screen, you can still divide your room without dividing your “space.” This is the type of room divider screen one might use to hide a desk or computer table, with all the wires and printer cords, while allowing the person sitting at the desk to converse with other people in the room. It is also a great way to hide a pet’s crate, a set of dumbbells, or a private meditation space without totally cutting that part of the room off from the whole. Many apartment dwellers use several of these low-slung Shoji screens to hide the bottom portion of tall windows.
At 48” tall, these 4-paneled Shoji screens extend to 68” wide when fully extended. Each panel measures 17” wide by 48” tall. On the bottom of each screen is a sturdy kickboard, and the top panels are beautifully styled. Think like an interior designers and think of all the ways you could use a low-profile Shoji screen in your home, office or retail space.
Tags: room dividers, shoji screen, shoji screens
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January 11th, 2010
Zen Garden Bells
An enchanting landscape, a splendid afternoon, and the perfect Zen garden echoing the soft sounds of nature with delicate Garden Bells… these what we think of when we conjure up the ideal place to relax. In your mind’s eye, you can easily see the environment you would like to create for yourself, so why not make it happen this year?
A unique bell sculpture can turn an ordinary garden spot into a peaceful oasis, as gentle breezes sway this free standing chime into a melodic rhapsody. Unlike traditional hanging wind chimes, these Zen Garden Bells can be placed anywhere in your garden and easily moved whenever you like. If you need a quieter space for meditation, simply move the Garden Bells out of the wind when you need to, and move them back when you are ready.
These beautifully designed kinetic bells are a musical sculpture for the garden, and will enhance any outdoor setting. Add them to complement the furnishings of your Asian patio or blend into the serenity of your Japanese garden. They also make a wonderful gift for anyone who has an eye for Asian aesthetics or appreciates the beauty of the outdoors.
When the wind rustles the uniquely shaped brass leavess, they gently touch up against nine polished brass bells, creating a sensational sound that cannot be duplicated anywhere. These contemporary Zen Garden Bells measure 24” tall and 13” in diameter, and are weighted with a natural stone, making them the perfect touch for Zen gardens, rock gardens and Asian-inspired patios.
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January 4th, 2010
Zen Platform Bed
If there is one room in your house where Zen furniture fits perfectly, it is in the bedroom. This Japanese-inspired “less is more” look has quickly caught on in Western cultures as a way to create a restful retreat. If your aim is to make your bedroom a space that immediately gives you a sense of quiet relaxation and calm, this Zen Platform Bed makes a great foundation piece to get you started.
The classic simplicity of a Zen Platform Bed, combined with low-profile, minimalist furnishings and soft earth tones, inspires a sense of harmony with nature. Much of Japanese décor is based upon the pure Zen aesthetic of harmony, which creates a sense of stillness and repose. The beauty of Zen furniture is that it was designed to blend with nature rather than confronting it.
Zen furnishings have evolved over the centuries to become more contemporary, but they still share an appealing simplicity. Traditional Japanese beds were made from Tatami straw mats, which were layered with cotton padding and blankets. This basic concept is what originally inspired the platform bed, resulting in a whole collection of modern designs that fit nicely into today’s home environment.
A perennial “best seller”, this Zen Platform Bed is crafted from solid Asian Hardwood, and comes with a matching headboard. Available in rich dark walnut, warm honey oak or black finishes, and full, queen or king sizes, the bed’s frame is 8” high, or 31” with the headboard. With its strong Asian influences, this Zen Platform Bed will bring the special qualities of harmony, beauty and simplicity to your bedroom, making it an “oasis of calm”.
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