Wednesday, December 31, 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu! L'Shana Tova! Bonne Anee! Feliz Ano Nuevo! Ein Gluckliches Neues Jahr! Buon Ano! Felix Sit Annus Novus! Godt Nytt Ar! Kul'am Wa Antum Bikhair! Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! Just wanted to take a moment to bid a fond adieu to 2014 and welcome in 2015.
Illustrated is a detail from a large wood panel carved by Kimura Yoshikazu of the kanji; JU or KOTOBUKI (寿), meaning "long life" or "felicitations". Carved to imitate the Edomoji "kanteiryu", the stylized script synonomous with Kabuki advertisements of the Edo period, the Ju kanji is sunken below the wood surface and then textured and painted with green gesso and would seem a fitting sentiment to usher in a new year.
"An optomist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."