Since the 19th century, Japan has started incorporating modern Western architectures in the design and construction of its homes. In fact, the country is currently an innovator in architectural design. Before this, however, Japan also used a traditional and heterogeneous style that was actually introduced by China and other Asian cultures. Below are some of the things you need to know about the traditional Japanese house. [Read more…]
Archives for December 2012
The Japanese War Fan
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Image: berlinerhaie
We all know for what purpose fans are used but there is a kind of fan in Japan that is primarily a signaling device.� It is actually a fan designed for warfare.� It can also be used as a weapon and it is called thew war fan.
There are three basic types of war fans consisting of the gunsen, tessen, and the gunbai. �The gunsen fan is a folding fan usually seen hanging from a warrior’s breastplate. �The tessen is often used as a throwing weapon and an effective means of fending darts and arrows. �The gunbai is quite flexible even in its stationary form of being a �large and solid fan.
It could be easy to imagine how wars can provide a semblance of art with the use of war fans. �Instead�of�swift�confrontation, the use of the Japanese war fan requires observing rituals, practices, and protocols. �Commands can be given to soldiers through the use of war fans which in turn can be passed on to other participants.
The use of the Japanese war fan lends a degree of nobility to an otherwise dreadful activity. �The use of the tessen is even considered lethal since it is considered quite a weapon in the hands of a real�fighter. �Many families preserve their war fans� �to be of use to others. �To many however, they preserve theirs as �historic specimens which can be brought out time and again for study and comparison. �Japanese war fans are considered �defense weapons by the samurai which are easily concealed.
Bamboo and the Japanese Culture
Image: earth911
The bamboo tree has long occupied a preferential spot in Japan in terms of being afforded respect and reverence.� To the Japanese, the bamboo represents strength, endurance, and resiliency in its ability to bend in a strong storm and avoid breaking.� The bamboo has been part of the life of the Japanese in many aspects of daily living.
Bamboo is commonly used in the Asian continent as an animal food source and as a raw material in different products including building materials.� It is an ideal raw material since it is a fast growing plant thus supply is not a problem, although the condition of the local soil as well as climatic conditions may sometimes affect their growth.� Japan has one of the most ideal conditions for bamboo growing.
Bamboo is most often seen in Japanese households as part of their garden.� It is seen as an ideal element in a place that can induce serenity in reflection and meditation.� Combined with pine and plum trees, bamboo completes the so-called �Three Friends of Winter�, which represent longevity, pure spirit, and flexibility, respectively.� Bamboo is also used in Japan as a preferred material for bows and arrows, as well as household items including blinds and chopsticks.
Bamboo also plays a big role in the Japanese tea ceremony as well as arrangements in shrines, temples, and other places considered sacred by the Japanese.� Other products that use bamboo as a material include musical instruments, vases, and even fences.� For all this seemingly wide acceptance of the Japanese for the use of bamboo, it is quite perplexing why bamboo flooring is relegated to favor plywood.� This is quite unfortunate since the use of bamboo flooring is considered an environmentally-friendly flooring alternative.
Commercial timber is derived from bamboo which has reached its optimal strength.� It has to be noted that bamboo�s durability will depend on its handling from planting to the maintenance of the finished product which used it as a material.� Suitably treated bamboo is made into sheets and planks.� Laminated bamboo flooring has experienced a surge in popularity together with other products made from bamboo laminates.
Bamboo floorings are attractive and may come in different colors or color stains.� Modern versions can now be easily installed to complement the look of the house.� Opting for bamboo flooring is considered an investment towards a lifestyle that is eco-friendly.
About the Guest Blogger
Nenita of Builddirect.com is an interior designer specializing in Japanese styles.