Activity Report

“Bonseki” – a traditional Japanese art

9月 17, 2021

Our instructors for this workshop were again Dr. MIZUNO Kayano, industrial counselor & Gestalt therapist, and Ms. KUBOTA Mari, flower design artist. We were pleased to have a total of 30 attendees, including a Chinese and two MUA members. Three MUA staff assisted the instructors in accommodating the group. In “Bonseki”, you create a grand scenery of ocean or mountain images on a black lacquered tray, using typical utensils such as feathers of swan or hawk and tiny spoons, and laying out small stones and white sand on the tray. This creation process is called an action of “Utsu.” Other utensils include silver spoon, small broom, sifter and tiny twigs. “Bonseki” was originated and developed during the Muromachi period by renowned historical figures such as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Senno Rikyu and Hosokawa Tadaoki. Thus, it was polished and established as a unique Japanese culture.