IN SEASON

I was sent a couple of pictures of this powerful Kumano Kuroemon hanaire and when I asked to use the photos, the proviso was that I did so while in season. So I bumped this photo of this crusty, well fired Kuma-Shino vase and robai (chimonanthus praecox, "wintersweet") adorning the tokonoma to the top of the to use list. The sparse branches, punctuated by accents of yellow work well with the vase as well as the surroundings and if you look carefully to the right of the photo, through the small opening in the alcove    you can clearly see some of the characteristic bold shoga of the Bear himself. Quite the display with what movie goers nowadays would call an added Easter-egg.

HNY 2025

Though both tokkuri and guinomi are repurposed and impressed into ceremonial duty, just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!  "Kanpai!"