frauke at large

In an attempt not to fall into the trap of the hideous solipsism of a vain gap-year blog and sound like a co-production with the Discovery Channel, I thought I’d write about something more tangible than solely my experiences and impressions of Japan. I’ve been going through my pictures of Japan again and realised that there’s quite a theme: the beautiful facades of Japanese houses and temples. Reductivist and minimalist, I think are good words to describe it, and beautifully detailed with outside garden areas, where every inch is used to hold a flower pot or a meticulously pruned bonsai. The architectural forms found in Japan are essentially pure structures. Posts and beams supporting the roof and protecting and sheltering the occupants of the house are meticulously joined and finished without molding or elaborately applied trims. I really liked the neatness and tranquility that these buildings exuded. They are so pleasing to the eye through their simple, clean and elegant lines and the attention to detail.

Couldn’t help it – had to sneak in a picture of the one and only Geisha-esque woman we saw in Kyoto. Well, granted it was rainy that day – bad weather for spotting Geisha. Nevertheless we found a nice little tea house to warm up in and enjoy Kyoto’s special Japanese treats.

 

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