RYU Kakejiku Live painting dedication at Enno-ji temple in Fukuoka

Ryu Kakejiku at Enno-ji temple
Ryu Kakejiku at Enno-ji temple
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Kakejiku
Kakejiku Before painting

I had a great opportunity to dedicate my RYU dragon Kakejiku with live painting at Enno-ji temple in Fukuoka 2022, October 4th.

It was a wonderful serene atmosphere inside the main hall of Buddha.

The priest recited sutra for one hour, and I painted RYU dragon on my Kakejiku while he was reciting.

I am so grateful that I had this great opportunity.

Thank you so much.

Main hall of Enno-ji temple
Main hall of Enno-ji temple
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication
Live painting RYU Kakejiku dedication

YouTube video

YouTube video

ZEN art exhibition

ZEN art exhibition information

ZEN art exhibition information
ZEN art exhibition information

We are participating in ZEN art exhibition, coming November 17th~21st, 2021.

It is held at bono Sagami-Ono, South mall 3rd floor, (beside Sagami-Ono station)

Sagamihara city, Kanagawa prefecture : about 30 mins by Odakyu-line rapid-express from Shinjuku station

November 17, 15:00-17:30

November 18~20, 10:00-17:30

November 21, 10:00-14:30

Free admission

Our artwork will be 3 Kakejiku hanging scroll Suibokuga Japanese paintings, with my name Shihomi Homma (本間志穂美)(Japan Cross Bridge).

I myself will try to be at the venue. I hope to see you there!

ZEN circle -Enso-

Golden Enso and Mt. Fuji Japanese painting Kakejiku

zen circle Enso Japanese painting kakejiku
zen circle Enso Japanese painting kakejiku

ZEN circle ENSO

Zen circle is called “Enso”.(円相)

Sometimes different “Kanji”(Chinese character) 円窓 is used for “Enso”, represents “round window”, which means our mind’s window.

Enso is one of Sumi ink painting (Japanese calligraphy) in Zen.

Usually it is drawn in one brushstroke, and is sometimes called “Ichienzu”(一円図)、”Ichienso”(一円相).

~Enso symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe and “mu”(無)(meaning void).  It is characterized by a minimalism born of Japanese aesthetics.~

*Quaoted from Wikipedia

Japanese aesthetics seeking for simplicity is called Wabi-sabi.

Wabi expresses the happiness and mental abundance in the imperfect (hard) circumstances.

Sabi expresses the beauty we can find in imperfection.

So Wabi can be a symbol of inner abundance, and Sabi can be a symbol of outer beauty(simplicity).

When you draw Enso, you have to draw it in one brushstroke, meaning there is no time to stop, no chance to fix.

It is the moment when the mind should be free, and let go of everything.

This is ZEN meditation practice.

In other words, this spiritual practice of drawing Enso is the practice of self-realization.

Sometimes Enso circle is open, which means incomplete.

This incomplete allows more movement, development and practice.

When Enso circle is closed, which represents perfection.

However, how you look at Enso circle and what you have in your mind by looking at it, is totally up to you.

Enso circle is simple, yet really profound and teaches us a lot.

It never stops attracting us, because our entire life is a long trip of self-realization.

I love to draw Enso circle, but at the same time, I love to look at Enso.

Looking at Enso circle is a good meditation.

Gold ZEN circle Enso Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll
Gold ZEN circle Enso Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll

Zen circle Enso with Japanese Sakura and Pine tree hanging scroll
Zen circle Enso with Japanese Sakura and Pine tree hanging scroll

Zen circle with Koi fish painting
Zen circle with Koi fish painting

Extra large Japanese Suibokuga painting Zen circle Enso and Bamboo Kakejiku
Extra large Japanese Suibokuga painting Zen circle Enso and Bamboo Kakejiku

Golden Enso and Mt. Fuji Japanese painting Kakejiku
Golden Enso and Mt. Fuji Japanese painting Kakejiku

Kimono silk Zen circle Enso and Sakura Kakejiku
Kimono silk Zen circle Enso and Sakura Kakejiku

Extra long Zen circle Enso and bamboo Suibokuga painting kakejiku
Extra long Zen circle Enso and bamboo Suibokuga painting kakejiku

Bamboo forests in Tokyo – hidden bamboo forest spots

Tokyo bamboo forest Travel guide hidden spots

Tokyo bamboo forest Travel guide hidden spots
Tokyo bamboo forest Travel guide hidden spots

Finding small Kyoto in Tokyo – hidden Bamboo forest in Tokyo

Bamboo trees symbolize Japanese ZEN culture.

When you are in Bamboo forest, you feel very calm and helps you meditate.

Many bamboo forests are in Kyoto, or secluded area.

But you can find bamboo forests in central Tokyo too.

We would like to share some hidden bamboo forests in Tokyo.

If you are living in Tokyo, or if you visit Tokyo, you can experience small Kyoto in these small bamboo forest.

It is a good cycling day trip as well.

First bamboo forest is “Suzume-no-Yado Ryokuchi park” in Himonya, Meguro ward.

Tokyo bamboo forest travel guide Suzume-no-yado Ryokuchi park
Tokyo bamboo forest travel guide Suzume-no-yado Ryokuchi park

Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Suzume-no-yado Rhokuchi park
Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Suzume-no-yado Rhokuchi park

This park has many tall bamboo trees and traditional Japanese style house.

The traditional Japanese style house is open from 9:30 to 15:30.

But bamboo trees area is open for 24 hours.

Second bamboo forest is “Roka Koshun-en Gardens” in Setagaya ward.

Tokyo Bamboo forest guide Roka Koshu-en gardens
Tokyo Bamboo forest guide Roka Koshu-en gardens

Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Roka Koshu-en Gardens
Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Roka Koshu-en Gardens

It is located near “Roka-Koen station” of Keio line.

It is about 40-50 minutes cycling from central Tokyo.

This park is free, but open hour is 9:00-16:30.

There are lots of tall bamboo trees, cherry trees and a memorial house of a famous Japanese writer, “Roka Tokutomi”.

You can go inside this memorial house, which has Japanese old style, and very interesting.

Third bamboo forest is “Senzoku Ike” in Ota ward.

Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Senzokuike Myofuku ji temple
Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Senzokuike Myofukuji temple

Tokyo bamboo forest Travel guide hidden spots
Tokyo bamboo forest hidden spots Travel guide Senzokuike Myofukuji temple 

It is located beside “Senzokuike station” of Tokyu Ikegami line.

There is a big pond with Koi fish, cherry trees and a shrine.

Beside this park, there is a temple called “Myofuku ji”.

This temple has small but beautiful bamboo trees.

Lastly, we want to talk about “Todoroki Keikoku” in Setagaya ward.

Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Todoroki Keikoku
Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Todoroki Keikoku

This “Todoroki Keikoku” park is about 30-40 minutes bicycle ride from central Tokyo.

Or you can go there by train using “Oimachi line” to “Todoroki station”.

In there, you can enjoy nature here, with walking beside the river.

“Keikoku” means valley, and this is a unique small valley that you can experience in Tokyo.

This place has a temple and a Japanese garden area.

In the Japanese garden, there are some bamboo trees, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms.

Those places are bamboo forest spots that we discovered in Tokyo.

We hope you will add these spots to your “Tokyo explore list”!

Photos below are our Bamboo items.

Extra large landscape bamboo forest Japanese painting art wall decoration
Extra large landscape bamboo forest Japanese painting art wall decoration

Extra large crystal glass 3D miniature bamboo forest necklace
Extra large crystal glass 3D miniature bamboo forest necklace

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor bamboo
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor bamboo

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Koi fish and bamboo
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Koi fish and Sakura

Kakejiku style Japanese bamboo painting small wall decoration
Kakejiku style Japanese bamboo painting small wall decoration

Japanese calligraphy art bamboo hanging scroll
Japanese calligraphy art bamboo hanging scroll

Please visit our Etsy shop for those items and more.

Etsy.com- JapanCrossBridge

Kakejiku style wall decoration – Fukuro obi belt

Fukuro obi Kakejiku style Japanese painting art Crane bird, Sakura, Koi fish

Fukuro obi Kakejiku style Japanese painting art Crane bird, Sakura, Koi fish
Fukuro obi Kakejiku style Japanese painting art Crane bird, Sakura, Koi fish

Fukuro obi Kakejiku style wall decor Mt.FUji Sakura Koi
Fukuro obi Kakejiku style wall decor Mt.FUji Sakura Koi

Fukuro obi Kakejiku style wall decor blue koi and nishiki goi
Fukuro obi Kakejiku style wall decor blue koi and nishiki goi with Sakura

Fukuro Obi belts are precious obi belts for Japanese Kimono.

They are usually made with silk, having Japanese patterns.

Shiny silk threads create beautiful and gorgeous looks.

These obi belts can become gorgeous decorations by themselves.

Kakejiku style wall decorations using these Fukuro obi are made to enjoy their own beauty.

Small Japanese paintings are not the main stars here.

Gorgeous Fukuro obi belts are the main stars.

This Kakejiku style wall decorations have their uniqueness- with the combination of Fukuro obi and Japanese painting.

Fukuro obi Kakejiku style wall decor Mt.FUji, Sakura, Koi
Fukuro obi Kakejiku style wall decor Mt.FUji, Sakura, Koi

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Koi fish and pine tree
Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Koi fish and pine tree

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Sakura and Koi
Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Sakura and Koi

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Koi Sakura bamboo
Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Koi Sakura bamboo

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor YOZAKURA sakura in full moon night
Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor YOZAKURA sakura in full moon night

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Mt.Fuji, crane bird, pine tree
Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Mt.Fuji, crane bird, pine tree

Japanese Kakejiku – good luck item

Unique tiger & bamboo Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll
Unique tiger & bamboo Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll
Unique tiger & bamboo Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll

“Japanese Kakejiku (Kakemono)“ -good luck item

 

“Japanese Kakejiku (Kakemono)” is a hanging scroll used to display and exhibit paintings and calligraphy art.

 

Traditional Japanese rooms usually have a “Tokonoma”- a special space (alcove) to display “Kakejiku”.

 

Most traditional houses used to have at least one Kakejiku to hang in Tokonoma.

 

Kakejiku has been a well-known cultural item in Japan for long time.

 

There are a lot of themes for Kakejiku.

 

Especially paintings have good luck meanings are popular.

 

“Sunsui ga” – Nature/ Japanese scenery of mountains, river, water fall, trees, rocks

These nature items have important meanings based on ZEN, giving us a relaxing ideal ZEN world.

 

“Seasonal flowers/plants” – To enjoy four seasons even inside the house, we choose seasonal flowers/plants.

 

“Tiger” – Tiger is believed to protect against misfortune and brings a good luck.  Tiger’s eyes with glares are toward evil.

 

“Dragon Ryujin” – Dragon is called “Ryujin” and is a god in Japan. It is a symbol of promotion, and Dragon Ryujin going up to the sky has the positive and good luck power.

 

Mt. Fuji – the highest symbolic mountain in Japan, and being registered as a world heritage.

Mt. Fuji is well known as a sacred mountain.  Especially red color Mt. Fuji in the red sunrise is believed to have the strong good luck power.

 

There are more themes for Kakejiku, and all have special meanings.

 

By hanging these good luck Kakejiku, the house and the people living there are protected against evil.

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor
Unique Dragon Ryujin Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll
Unique Dragon Ryujin Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll
Japanese painting Tiger and bamboo ink art kakejiku
Japanese painting Tiger and bamboo ink art kakejiku

Extra long Drago Ryujin calligraphy art kakejiku hanging scroll
Extra long Drago Ryujin calligraphy art kakejiku hanging scroll

Red Mt. Fuji with crane birds calligraphy art
Red Mt. Fuji with crane birds calligraphy art

 

Japanese cultural icon Mt. Fuji

Japanese painting hanging scroll Mt. Fuji Kakejiku art

Japanese painting hanging scroll Mt. Fuji Kakejiku art
Gorgeous kimono silk obi belt Japanese painting hanging scroll Mt. Fuji Kakejiku art

Japanese cultural icon – Mt. Fuji

If you have an interest in Japan, you must have heard this name “Mt. Fuji”.

Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan.

It’s 3,776.24m (12,389ft), located on Honshu.

Mt. Fuji is an active volcano, last erupted over 300 years ago.

The reason Mt. Fuji is very famous as cultural icon is because of its beautiful shape as well.

It stands on the flat wide area “Kanto plain” with symmetrical cone, and snow-capped on its top with the contrast of white and blue.

Because of its unique shape and height, it is very easy to be seen from even far away.

On a clear day in winter time, Mt. Fuji can be seen from greater Tokyo.

Even a glance of Mt. Fuji makes many Japanese people very happy.

I think that is because Mt. Fuji has been believed to be a symbol of god from its serene appearance.

Looking at Mt. Fuji is a very lucky thing.

Since long time ago, Japanese people loved Mt. Fuji, and Mt. Fuji has been depicted in art and photography.

We find Mt. Fuji in many Japanese paintings, Kakejiku hanging scrolls, ink paintings ”Sumie”, etc.

I love to paint Mt. Fuji as well.

Mt. Fuji has different attractions in different seasons and time.

This simple, yet perfect cone-shaped mountain never stops attracting many people.

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor -landscape Mt. Fuji, crane birds, Sakura
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor -landscape Mt. Fuji, crane birds, Sakura

Japanese painting ZEN Mt. Fuji in full moon and Sakura hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decoration
Japanese painting ZEN Mt. Fuji in full moon and Sakura hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decoration

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor crane bird, Mt. Fuji, Sakura
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor crane bird, Mt. Fuji, Sakura

Gorgeous Kimono silk obi belt Japanese painting Mt.Fuji, Sakura cherry blossoms & crane birds hanging scroll
Gorgeous Kimono silk obi belt Japanese painting Mt.Fuji, Sakura cherry blossoms & crane birds hanging scroll

Extra-large Mt.Fuji and Japanese Pine tree hanging scroll, Impressive landscape ZEN style wall decor
Extra-large Mt.Fuji and Japanese Pine tree hanging scroll, Impressive landscape ZEN style wall decor

Precious Kimono silk obi belt Japanese painting Mt.Fuji & crane birds in full moon Sakura night hanging scroll
Precious Kimono silk obi belt Japanese painting Mt.Fuji & crane birds in full moon Sakura night hanging scroll

 

 

 

 

Japanese precious Kimono Obi belt

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belts

Japanese precious Kimono Obi belts
Japanese precious Kimono Obi belts

Kimono is Japanese traditional fashion and culture.

All Japanese people used to wear Kimono every day long time ago, and Kimono was our clothes.

But we wear Kimono only occasionally now, especially on special occasions such as weddings, new years, come of age day cerebration, or tea ceremony.

And Kimono we wear on those special occasions are really gorgeous.

Depends on the seasons, Kimono fabric can be silk, cotton, or wool.

Kimono Obi Belt is inevitable to wear Kimono.

Obi belts are quite wide and stands out in the center of our body, so it is very important.

There are different kinds of Obi belts, called Nagoya-Obi, Fukuro-Obi, Han Haba- Obi.

Han-Haba Obi is used for daily Kimono or Yukata (summer cotton Kimono), and casual.

Nagoya-Obi also can be used for daily Kimono, or Japanese cultural practice such as tea ceremony or flower arrangement.

Fukuro-Obi is the most gorgeous belt and is for weddings or cerebrations.

When you look at Fukuro-Obi, you will see how gorgeous, shiny it is and the pattern is an amazing art.

When you touch Fukuro-Obi, you can feel that Fukuro-Obi is really precious.

Fukuro-Obi can cost a fortune, sometimes over one million yen.

Fukuro Obi is woven with shiny gold, silver thread, silk thread by artisans.

This is totally Japanese amazing culture.

When this precious Kimono Obi belt turns into hanging scroll, it starts another new life.

We are honored to be able to make gorgeous hanging scrolls with them.

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging  scroll Koi fish and Sakura
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and Sakura

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belts
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belts

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and pine tree
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and pine tree

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and Bamboo
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and Bamboo

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belts
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belts

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Mt. Fuji and Sakura cherry blossom
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Mt. Fuji and Sakura cherry blossom

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and bamboo
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and bamboo

Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and Sakura cherry blossoms
Gorgeous Kimono Obi belt Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll Koi fish and Sakura cherry blossoms

Sakura cherry blossom – Japanese beauty and sensitivity

Sakura cherry blossoms painting art Kimono silk kakejiku

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor landscape Sakura cherry tree
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor landscape Sakura cherry tree

I am obsessed with Sakura cherry blossoms.

Sakura is Japanese symbol.

We admire Sakura cherry blossoms in many ways.

Sakura is connected to our Japanese culture deeply.

Since ancient time, Japanese people enjoyed watching Sakura, called “Ohanami” (meaning “watch flowers”)

Spring time, under Sakura trees were full of people, sitting and having picnic.

This “Ohanami” habit is still very popular in Japan.

We see “Sakura forecast” (when cherry blossom start to bloom) on the TV news.

When Sakura starts to bloom, people start going out to have picnic under the Sakura trees.

This is our major Spring event.

We also eat Sakura flowers and leaves.

Pickled Sakura flowers and leaves are used for sweets or tea.

Tea leaf container or other tools are made using Sakura trees.

We have music about Sakura, called “SAKURA”, and all Japanese should know this song.

We have color called “SAKURA color”, which is light sensitive pink.

Sakura is used as Japanese symbol in many situations.

Sakura is very familiar flower for Japanese people.

Sakura cherry blossom time is very short, about one week.

When it starts blooming, it goes very quick to be full bloom, and as soon as it becomes full bloom, leaves start to come out and flowers start falling.

So the short period in full bloom and the beauty of Sakura flowers are often likened to the fragility of human life.

That is why cherry blossoms are symbol of beauty and transience.

I love Sakura, and cherry blossom time makes me excited.

Painting Sakura makes me happy and this is a good meditation for me.

That is why I keep painting Sakura.

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor ZEN style SHIDARE Sakura
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor ZEN style SHIDARE Sakura

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor ZEN style Sakura cherry blossom art
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor ZEN style Sakura cherry blossom art

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor landscape Sakura cherry blossom in full moon night
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor landscape Sakura cherry blossom in full moon night

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Sakura cherry tree in full bloom
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Sakura cherry tree in full bloom

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Kimono style YOZAKURA night cherry blossom
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Kimono style YOZAKURA night cherry blossom

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Sakura cherry blossom
Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Sakura cherry blossom