Thursday was a clear sunny day and we started at the Museum of Modern Art where there was a big exhibition of the weaving of Kitamura Takeshi - the 'ra' man. Rosie Price and I saw his work at the British Museum a few years ago. This exhibition was to celebrate 60 years of weaving - he is a Kyoto man and they are proud of him. They must have borrowed from everyone because there was a great deal to see. It had been very well hung with lighting behind so that the 'leno' pattern could be easily seen. I call it leno but it is a very complicated version. It was a great treat. No photos allowed so I bought an exhibition catalogue. We had coffee there which was rather a good site as you sat on a terrace with cherry trees and a canal in front of you.
After that we went next door to the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts. No photos again but first rate. A must for any visitor to Kyoto. There were workmen demostrating various techniques but also videos of crafts like making knives and stone carving. Lots of explanation and lots of examples and very quiet.
This is a view of the Silver Pavilion at the other end of the Philosopher's Walk. This was an extraordinary place. Everywhere Zen gardens. even in little 2 by 2 metre gaps between buildings. It is just at the edge of the hills and the sloping sections are planted with trees with moss underneath. I counted five gardeners weeding the moss!!! In other moss gardens we have seen here, the moss was a bit ragged. Not here.
This afternoon (Friday) we move to a Japanese Inn for two days. We are going to spend the day shopping!! Ruth wants a knife for her husband Robin and I have heard good things of a paper shop. I should say that we are always being handed beautifully printed pieces of paper which I have kept. I may have to iron them when I get home. We found a lovely printer's shop on the Philosopher's Walk and indulged.
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