It is a snowy day in
central New York and as I look out on the snow covered treeline and hills into
the valley, I am reminded of one of our early trips to Japan. It was late
November and on this particular day, we were out to see the Kinkakuji and
Kiyomizu-dera. As we walked up the streets to the Kiyomizu -dera, it began to snow. Not heavy
snowfall, but a lyrical, fluffy snow that sort of hung in the air. Once at the
temple and on the large wooden deck, you could see the snow falling all about
Kyoto and cover the scenery in a fine white blanket. There really is little to
compare to seeing the Kiyomizu -dera and Kyoto blanketed by snow with snow
swirling around the great observation deck as you peer off into the valley. I
love Kyoto in the winter time. I know this has little to do with pottery, but
it reminds me of wandering the streets of the Kiyomizu pottery district and seeing pots and potters
at work. It is worth the visit. It stands as one of the truly memorable moments
from out treks to Japan.
Illustrated is a 20th
century print of the Kiyomizu-dera amidst falling snow. This print is by
Tokuriki Tomikichiro(1902-2000) who not only created the artwork but founded a
publishing company that published his and other print artists' prints. Tokuriki
served as a link between the Shin-Hanga and Sosaku-hanga movements and his imagery
primarily focused on the myriad of Kyoto
scenery. Tokuriki is also know as the man who taught Clifton Karhu (1927-2007).
.JPG)