A Dreamlike Reality: Liu Yunsheng's Watercolor Paintings

Art or Photo?  Can You Tell the Difference?

Liu Yunsheng 刘云生

In the video below, the YouTube creator @Garden-of-Epicurus brings us into the captivating world of artist Liu Yunsheng, born in Laizhou City, China, in 1937.  Liu began his artistic journey in the oil painting department of Shandong University of Arts, but his true passion resided in watercolor. After graduating in 1963, he became a researcher at the China Academy of Engineering Physics. However, it was after his retirement that he truly dedicated himself to watercolor painting.

Liu Yunsheng: Capturing the Soul of Tibet in Watercolor Paintings (YouTube link)

Master of Watercolor and the Art of Soulful Expression

Watercolor painting demands a delicate touch, a keen eye for detail, and a great deal of patience, but Liu was up to the challenge. Chinese watercolor painting, which merges with the traditional style called "Danqing," possesses a unique elegance and sophistication. Liu did not confine himself to a single style or subject; he traveled extensively, particularly to Tibet, Xinjiang, and Qinghai, painting the breathtaking landscapes and people. From 1995 to 2010, he made 24 trips to these regions, spending up to two months at a time. His work is distinguished by the soul he infuses into each piece.

Every painting Liu creates serves a purpose. His art captures the essence of his subjects, from the innocent eyes of children to the weathered skin of the elderly, with a focus on textures. Some of his paintings blur the line between reality and illusion, blending freehand and realism seamlessly, like stepping into a dream where anything is possible.

Matsumoto City Alps Park: A Kid's Paradise

Dino-mite playground fun!

Matsumoto City Alps Park, nestled against the Japanese Alps, is a beautiful green space with family-friendly amenities. Known for its stunning mountain views and serene atmosphere, the park is especially loved for its expansive playground, a haven for children.

The playground features colorful equipment that stimulates imagination and physical activity, including climbing structures, slides, swings, and sandbox areas, all surrounded by lush greenery.

In addition to the playground, the park offers walking trails for nature walks and picnics, and hosts various events throughout the year, such as festivals and concerts, providing entertainment for families.

Matsumoto City Alps Park (YouTube link)

Piggy, piggy, so sweet! (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

On April 5, 2024, I rode a public bus to visit the park. I spent around half a day there. For anyone who wants to visit the park without a car, they need to check the last bus leaving the summit before hiking. Make sure you can catch the last bus when you leave.

Mountain and Nature Museum

The museum offers fascinating exhibits on local mountains, wildlife, and ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, stunning photographs, and learn about the area’s unique biodiversity. It’s a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts.

Pictures Displayed at Museum

The pictures displayed at the museum showcase the breathtaking beauty of the park in all four seasons.

A Pink Paradise: Exploring Kanazawa Castle Park in Bloom

The majestic Kanazawa Castle, framed by a row of blossoming cherry trees

Kanazawa Castle , a historic landmark in Japan, is renowned for its stunning beauty, especially during the cherry blossom season. The castle, once a powerful fortress, is now surrounded by a picturesque park, transformed into a sea of pink and white blossoms.

Key Points

Here's why Kanazawa Castle Park ⭐is definitely worth a visit:

• Stunning scenery: The park is filled with lush greenery, including cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn foliage.
• Historic significance: The castle itself is a reconstruction, but the surrounding park and its buildings offer a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
• Relaxing atmosphere: The park is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the tranquility.
• Nearby attractions: Kanazawa Castle Park is located near other popular attractions in Kanazawa, such as Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District.

If you're interested in Japanese history and culture, or simply looking for a beautiful place to relax, Kanazawa Castle Park is a must-visit.

Exploring Kanazawa Castle Park (YouTube link)

Kanazawa Castle: A Cherry Blossom Haven (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

These snapshots were captured at the height of the cherry blossom season in 2024.

Area Map: Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenroku-en

A stunning display of cherry blossoms lined the castle moat

Shisseien Garden, where migratory birds find refuge during the winter months

Hashizume Gate is the entrance to Sannomaru Square and Hishi Yagura

Hishi Yagura turret is a component of Kanazawa Castle

Ishikawa-mon is the entrance to the nearby Kenroku-en garden

Ozaki Shrine 尾﨑神社

A small Shinto shrine situated adjacent to the Kuro-mon gate, the northwest entrance of the park.

Frequency Adverbs in Japanese: A Quick Guide

Frequency words in Japanese (YouTube link)

Frequency adverbs in Japanese are used to indicate how often something happens. Here are some common ones:

• 毎日 (mainichi): Every day
• いつも (itsumo): Always
• たいてい (taitei): Usually
• よく (yoku): Often
• ときどき (tokidoki): Once in a while
• あまり (amari): Not so often
• めったに (metta ni): Rarely
• ほとんど (hotondo): Hardly ever
• ぜんぜん (zenzen): Never

Example Sentence

毎日ジムに行きます。 (Mainichi jimu ni ikimasu): I go to gym every day.

全然ジムに行きません。 (Zenzen jimu ni ikimasen): I never go to gym.

Golden Masterpieces: The Beauty of Gold Leaf Art

In 1974, Yasue Takaaki (1898-1997) established the Yasue Gold Leaf Museum in Kanazawa with a vision to preserve the intricate art of goldbeating and gold leaf craftsmanship for future generations. This unique museum, one of the few in the world dedicated solely to gold leaf, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the goldbeating process, showcasing the tools used and displaying exquisite art and craft pieces adorned with gold and gold leaf.

A Journey Through Gold Leaf Crafts

The Art of Goldbeating

Kanazawa gold leaf is a centuries-old Japanese art form. It starts with a gold ingot that's stretched very thin and then beaten thousands of times. Special paper called haku-uchigami 箔打紙 is used to help shape the gold. The finished gold leaf is incredibly thin and strong.

The Art of Gold Leaf Unveiled (YouTube link)

The Making of Haku-uchigami

Haku-uchigami 箔打紙 is made by immersing Ganpish ガンピッシュ, a type of handmade Japanese paper, in a lye mixture containing water, rice straw ash, persimmon tannin, and eggs. The excess moisture is squeezed out, and the paper is hammered together using an Aku-uchiki machine. After numerous repetitions of peeling the paper apart, a process called Tekazu, the paper becomes Haku-uchigami, which is used in gold leaf hammering.

The Making of Haku-uchigami

The Making of Kinpaku (Gold Leaf)

Uwazumi, a first-stage gold foil, is cut into small pieces and placed between layers of Komagami, a type of Kaku-uchigami paper. The stack is wrapped in leather and hammered using a Haku-uchiki machine until the gold foil reaches about 10 cm in size. This gold foil, called Koma, is then transferred to Omogami paper and hammered again. The completed gold leaves are inspected, and selected ones are transferred one by one onto the special notes called Hiromonocho.

The Making of Kinpaku (Gold Leaf /金箔)

The Final Step: Kinpaku 金箔 Cutting

Using bamboo tweezers, a fully hammered gold leaf is transferred to a leather board. A bamboo frame called a Takewaku is then used to cut the gold leaf into squares.

The Beauty of Gold Leaf Art

Gold leaf, as thin as 1/10,000th of a millimeter, can be used in various art forms, including paintings, lacquerware, metalwork, textiles, ceramics, and sculptures. The resulting gilded arts or crafts have a shiny golden appearance and are highly attractive, often sought after by collectors.

Golden Masterpieces: The Beauty of Gold Leaf Art (YouTube link)

Ornate Bronze Vase with gold and silver inlay

Karaori 唐織, an exquisitely embroidered, traditional woman’s kimono. Certainly one of the most beautiful theatrical costumes in the world.  Gold thread used in this robe is made by pasting gold leaf on washi, then shredding it into threads.

Intricate Rooster Design: Chinkin Artwork

Bowl with a design of flowers in Yūri-kinsai (釉裏金彩)

A box adorned with an auspicious design of pine and cranes, created using the Chinkin technique

Ornate Gold Leaf Doll Charm

Gold leaf gilding in Nihonga【日本画】金箔の押し方 (YouTube link)

References

1. The Charm of Continuously Glowing Gold Leaf with a Thickness of One Ten-thousandth of One Millimeter
2. Kanazawa City Yasue Gold Leaf Crafts Museum

Say Hi the Japanese Way: A Comprehensive Guide

"Hi" in Japanese in 7 Different Situations! (YouTube link)

The above video outlines 7 different situations for saying "Hi" in Japanese:

1. Morning: Ohayou gozaimasu おはよう ございます(formal) or ohayou おはよう (informal)
2. Daytime: Konnichiwa こんにちは (formal and informal)
• Use this greeting after 12pm to 5-7 pm only (not the whole day)
3. Evening: Konbanwa こんばんは (formal and informal)
4. Meeting a Friend: あ、じゅん [Name] (informal) or あ、美和子さん[Name-sanさん] (formal)
• For this occasion, you can also use yahhoo やっほー
• For men, you can use Ou おう、Yo よ、 or Ussu うっす.
• Japanese likes to add あin front of every greetings.  For example, あ、おはよう ございます
5. Meeting Someone for the First Time in a While: Ohisashiburidesu お久しぶりです (formal) or hisashiburi 久しぶり(informal)
6. Visiting Someone's House as a Guest: Ojamashimasu お邪魔します(formal)
7. Any Time of the Day: Otsukaresamadesu お疲れ様です  (Informal) or Otsukaresama お疲れ様(formal) 
• Expression of appreciation or understanding: thank you (for your hard work), good work

Bye" in Japanese in 10 Different Situations! (YouTube link)

A Serene Stroll: Enjoy Cherry Blossoms Along the Asano River

Locals partaking in hanami beneath the trees lining the river

As we strolled through the Higashi Chaya District, the Asano River gracefully flowed beside us. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their delicate petals creating a stunning canopy along the riverbanks. It was a picturesque scene, with locals gathered under the trees, partaking in the traditional hanami celebrations, enjoying the beauty of the blossoms and the serene atmosphere.

Visiting Date: 04/14/2024

Location: Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa

A serene stroll along the Asano River (YouTube link)

Higashi Chaya District: Discovering Kanazawa's Geisha District

Picture of geisha dancing

Higashi Chaya District ⭐is a historic district located in Kanazawa, Japan, known for its well-preserved traditional teahouses and geisha culture. It offers a glimpse into the city's Edo-period heritage and provides a charming atmosphere for visitors to explore.

Key features of Higashi Chaya District:

• Traditional teahouses: The district is home to numerous preserved teahouses, offering a glimpse into the world of geisha and traditional Japanese culture.
• Charming architecture: The wooden buildings and narrow streets create a nostalgic and picturesque atmosphere.
• Cultural experiences: Visitors can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, geisha performances, and other cultural activities in the district.
• Shopping and dining: The district also offers a variety of shops and restaurants, where visitors can purchase souvenirs or enjoy local cuisine.

Higashi Chaya District is a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique and authentic experience in Kanazawa. Its combination of history, culture, and charm make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.

Shima Teahouse 志摩（国指定重要文化財）

Step into the Shima Teahouse⭐⭐, a beautifully preserved relic of the Edo period nestled in a serene corner. As you enter, you're transported back in time, surrounded by intricate woodwork, sliding doors, and tatami mat flooring that evoke the elegance of the past. 

Imagine the graceful geisha who once graced these rooms with their performances. The teahouse's preserved interior offers a glimpse into their world, revealing the tools and techniques they used to entertain guests. From the delicate tea ceremonies to the elegant dances, every corner of the teahouse tells a story of a bygone era.

The Enchanting World of Geisha at Shima Teahouse (YouTube link)

Geisha are renowned for their traditional music, especially playing the shamisen (三味線), a three-stringed instrument central to Japanese theater

A Graceful Geisha Fan Dance

Oldays Geisha Teahouse: Scheduled Carriage Departures Advertisement

Charming Architecture

Utasu Shrine 宇多須神社

Gold leaf cosmetics specialty store 金箔化粧品専門店 

Utasu Shrine 宇多須神社 (YouTube link)

Shopping and Dining

Gallery & Cafe むく（椋）

Muku: A Stylish Cafe with Art Gallery (YouTube link)

Budget-Friendly Souvenirs: Gilded Dolls

Sakuda Machiy (金箔屋さくだ  link)