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Tansu
are traditional Japanese mobile storage cabinets. are commonly used for the storage of clothing, particularly kimono. were first recorded in the Genroku era (1688–1704) of the Edo period (1603–1867). The two characters, and , appear to have initially represented objects with separate functions: the storage of food and the carrying of firewood. Since the radical for appears in each of these characters, it may be surmised that bamboo, and not wood, was the original material used in . As gradually became a feature of Japanese culture and daily life, both hard and softwoods were used by ( craftsmen), often in combination for a single chest. Woods commonly used in included , , , , and . are collectable, and many collectors focus on finding genuine antique . There are just a few workshops who produce in imitation of the classic antiques, due to the high cost of materials and the very low prices of second-hand . Larger chests are sometimes reduced in size, particularly f ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Zelkova Serrata
''Zelkova serrata'' (Japanese zelkova, Japanese elm or keyaki or keaki; ja, 欅 (ケヤキ) keyaki /槻 (ツキ) tsuki; ; ko, 느티나무 neutinamu) is a species of the genus ''Zelkova'' native to Japan, Korea, eastern China and Taiwan.Flora of China''Zelkova serrata''/ref>Andrews, S. (1994). Tree of the year: Zelkova. ''Int. Dendrol. Soc. Yearbook'' 1993: 11-30. It is often grown as an ornamental tree, and used in bonsai. There are two varieties, ''Zelkova serrata'' var. ''serrata'' in Japan and mainland eastern Asia, and ''Zelkova serrata'' var. ''tarokoensis'' (Hayata) Li on Taiwan which differs from the type in its smaller leaves with less deeply cut serration on the margins. Description ''Zelkova serrata'' is a medium-sized deciduous tree usually growing to tall. It is characterized by a short trunk dividing into many upright and erect spreading stems forming a broad, round-topped head. The tree grows rapidly when young though the growth rate slows to medium upon middle ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Kura (storehouse)
are traditional Japanese storehouses. They are commonly durable buildings built from timber, stone or clay used to safely store valuable commodities. ''Kura'' in rural communities are normally of simpler construction and used for storing grain or rice. Those in towns are more elaborate, with a structural timber frame covered in a fireproof, clay outer coating. Early religious ''kura'' were built in a "log cabin" style, whilst those used later to store gunpowder were constructed from stone. Earthen ''kura'', ''dozō'' have evolved a particular set of construction techniques in order to make them relatively fireproof. History The ''kura'' storehouse was specifically used to store precious items. Other sorts of storehouses such as outbuildings (''naya'') and sheds (''koya'') were used to store more mundane items. The first ''kura'' appear during the Yayoi period (300 BC – 300 AD) and they evolved into ''takakura'' (literally ''tall storehouse'') that were built on columns ra ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Paulownia Tomentosa
''Paulownia tomentosa'', common names princess tree, empress tree, or foxglove-tree, is a deciduous hardwood tree in the family Paulowniaceae, native to central and western China. It is an extremely fast-growing tree with seeds that disperse readily, and is a persistent exotic invasive species in North America, where it has undergone naturalisation in large areas of the Eastern US. ''P. tomentosa'' has also been introduced to Western and Central Europe, and is establishing itself as a naturalised species there as well. Etymology The generic name ''Paulownia'' honours Anna Pavlovna of Russia, who was Queen Consort of the Netherlands from 1840 to 1849. The specific epithet ''tomentosa'' is a Latin word meaning ‘covered in hairs’. Description This tree grows tall, with large heart-shaped to five-lobed leaves across, arranged in opposite pairs on the stem. On young growth, the leaves may be in whorls of three and be much bigger than the leaves on more mature growth. The l ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Sumptuary Law
Sumptuary laws (from Latin ''sūmptuāriae lēgēs'') are laws that try to regulate consumption. ''Black's Law Dictionary'' defines them as "Laws made for the purpose of restraining luxury or extravagance, particularly against inordinate expenditures for apparel, food, furniture, etc." Historically, they were intended to regulate and reinforce social hierarchies and morals through restrictions on clothing, food, and luxury expenditures, often depending on a person's social rank. Societies have used sumptuary laws for a variety of purposes. They were used to try to regulate the balance of trade by limiting the market for expensive imported goods. They made it easy to identify social rank and privilege, and as such could be used for social discrimination. They could also be used to prevent, or at least reduce opportunities for political bribery and corruption. The laws often prevented commoners from imitating the appearance of aristocrats, and could be used to stigmatize di ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Meiji Restoration
The , referred to at the time as the , and also known as the Meiji Renovation, Revolution, Regeneration, Reform, or Renewal, was a political event that restored practical imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji. Although there were ruling emperors before the Meiji Restoration, the events restored practical abilities and consolidated the political system under the Emperor of Japan. The goals of the restored government were expressed by the new emperor in the Charter Oath. The Restoration led to enormous changes in Japan's political and social structure and spanned both the late Edo period (often called the Bakumatsu) and the beginning of the Meiji era, during which time Japan rapidly industrialized and adopted Western ideas and production methods. Foreign influence The Japanese knew they were behind the Western powers when US Commodore Matthew C. Perry came to Japan in 1853 in large warships with armaments and technology that far outclassed those of Japan, wit ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Nagamochi Kuruma
A hope chest, also called dowry chest, cedar chest, trousseau chest, or glory box is a piece of furniture traditionally used by unmarried young women to collect items, such as clothing and household linen, in anticipation of married life. The term "hope chest" or "cedar chest" is used in the Midwest or South of the United States; in the United Kingdom, the term is "bottom drawer"; while both terms, and "glory box" are used by women in Australia. "By the turn of the 0thcentury the trousseau and the glory-box had become accepted institutions for the readers of the weekly and monthly women's magazines." Social context Using her own needlework skills to construct a trousseau and stock her glory-box "was for the working girl the equivalent of planning and saving for marriage on the part of the provident and ambitious young man." The collection of a ''trousseau'' was a common coming-of-age rite until approximately the 1950s; it was typically a step on the road to marriage betwee ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
