She had been wanting to check out an exhibit at the Kyoto Shibori Kogeikan. Shibori is a form of tie-dye. Kyoto shibori is done on silk and there are different techniques. Not many artisans are left. In fact, most do shibori as a hobby rather than a job.
The exhibit that my MIL was interested in seeing was an interpretation of the Go-zan Okuribi (farewell fire on 5 mountains). The 6.5 meter (21 foot) wide by 3 meter (9 feet) high piece was done by about 40 artisans (mostly aged 70 to 80 years of age) over 2 years, all in their spare time. It was a very powerful and beautiful piece. (photos weren't allowed, so if you can get down there, it is best to see it for yourself, the exhibit runs until 10/31/2008).
Kyoto Shibori Kogeikan
Goikeminami hairu, Aburanokoji dori
Nakagyoku, Kyoto
Phone: 075.221.4252
Admission: 500 yen (about US$5)
This tiny shop had all kinds of sweets, especially sweets with kuri (chestnut).
I wanted to buy the sweet that Shar had shown me, a kudzu (arrowroot) powdered sweet that when hot water is added it turns into a thick soupy treat. This was called Furou-sen. It came in zenzai flavor (adzuki), matcha & plain kudzu (arrowroot). (I got one of each flavor and I'll post about this when we try it.)
In the shop, they also had these beautiful displays made from sugar to ooh and aah at.
Nijo-wakasaya
333-2 Nishi-daikokucho
Ogawa-hairu, Nijo dori
Nakagyoku, Kyoto
Phone: 075.231.0616
Open 8:00-18:00 M-S, Sun & holidays 8:00-17:00
The exhibition was a bit sparse, but the wooden molds that form sugar sweets were interesting to see.
The matcha was bitter and helped to showcase the sweets.
The sweets were made by Tawarayayoshitomi, a well-known sweets maker in Kyoto. They also have a shop right next door to the museum (just in case, you want to take more sweets home...)
Tawarayayoshitomi
285-1 Muromachikashiracho, Kamidachiuri agaru
Muromachidori, Kamigyoku
Kyoto
Phone:075.432.2211
Open: 8:00-17:00, closed Sundays
Kyogashishiryokan
285-1 Muromachikashiracho, Kamidachiuri agaru
Muromachidori, Kamigyoku
Kyoto
Phone: 075.432.3101
Closed Wednesdays
Open 10:00-17:00
No admission
On the other hand, the mitarashi dango you find in Tokyo, will only have 4 "rice cakes" to 1 stick, the reason was that they used to sell "rice cakes" for 1 "mon" (a form of old Japanese money) per "rice cake", then when the 4 "mon sen" was introduced (another form of old Japanese money), the confectioners put 4 on a stick as it was easier for people to buy.
I hope to learn more from this book and maybe be able to pass some of it on to you. It was a great holiday with some culture and lots of sweets.
12 comments:
A lovely sequence of photos...
Such exotic sweets..
Hi there Kat.
I really enjoyed this post. Sounds like you had a fantastic day.
You've given me some more places to go.
I'd really to check out the book you mentioned.
Off to eat some tart.
TK
Thanks PB!
I hope you like the book, will email the title to you, Tamakikat, enjoy your snack :)
Take care you two.
Kat
*sniff sniff*
Is that SPAM that I smell up there? Protocol dictates that the proper method of communicating such information should be by email.
Love all of the sweets. The chestnut one...and konbu shiso tea? Interesting, gotta check it out.
I know, debated whether to delete it or not, Rowena. (I will delete it after this message is sent)
Konbu shiso tea is good, kind of salty. :)
Take care.
Kat
Mmm, I really like chestnuts. And that one's so pretty with all the layers.
By the way, I like all the pictures and colors in your new banner at the top!
your nails match all the wagashi!
Thanks Lori & Bourgogne :)
Take care you two.
Kat
aww these are some refined sweets!! & Japanese sweets are as sweet as most other sweets too!!! So that is a bonus for me!
oh wow the artwork of the 5 mountains must be gorgeous work! Wished I could see it
Phoebe,
It was too bad that they didn't allow photos, it was really something to see.
Take care.
Kat
I love all of the pictures. Everything looks so beautiful and perfect. What a perfect outing!
Thanks Deb, I think you would enjoy a day like this :)
Take care.
Kat
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