Vintage Japanese beauties in kimono

1930s photos of Japanese women in kimono, from the old Japanese family album, found  here. There is something special about all these women. Perhaps, it is the kimono that makes them look that special and that beautiful.

Animal netsuke from the British Museum

Cat biting into tail of a dried salmon

These miniature Japanese sculptures amaze with precision of work, small details, lively images and elegance. Originally netsuke was invented with purely domestic purpose: a Japanese traditional kimono costume did not have pockets but men who wore them needed a place to store their personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines. These things were put in small bags or boxes and hung by cords from a wide obi sash. So that the bag might not slide off, a counterweight was hung at the other end of the cord. And to match the elegance of the dress, this fastener had to be a neat little piece of art. So there came netsuke.

Traditional dolls of Japan

Recently there has been "Traditional dolls and toys" exhibition at the Japanese embassy. I couldn't miss such an event because still I have this childish weakness for dolls. Besides, Japanese culture and traditions have been always fascinating to me. At the exhibition I not only could enjoy the beautiful dolls but found out something new from the information written on the stands.