“Bonseki” – a traditional Japanese art

Demonstration & hands-on workshop
(Co-sponsored by Minato City Education Board)

Date: Sunday, October 17, 2021
Venue: Minato City Life-long Learning Center

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.

Contents of the workshop:
・History of “Bonseki”
・Explanation on utensils
・Demonstration by the instructors
・Hands-on exercise by the attendees

Attendee comments in the questionnaire:
・I totally enjoyed it.  Historical explanation  was helpful and the demonstration was superb.
・I want to join again.
・Most rewarding experience.
・It was an exceptional experience.
・Control of subtle feeling was difficult.
・Most satisfying workshop.
・Amazed to know that difference in feather   techniques or stone layout creates diverse scenery.

Comments from MUA staff:
Because of many applications, we decided to accept 30 attendees although the original plan was for 20.  When we held “Bonseki” workshop last year, we received a strong request for another round.  We regret we could not accept all who were on the waiting list.  Our two instructors, Mizuno-sensei and Kubota-sensei, are both students of YASHIRO Baika, a master of “Bonseki” whose students include HIH Takamatsunomiya.  All attendees were delighted to have a close look at the artistic feather-techniques of our instructors.  Throughout the workshop, the classroom was filled with joyful atmosphere.

  (Written by HIRAKATA K., Vice President, and translated by TANAHASHI S., the PR & Internet Committee)