Art in Life

Sake offerings.
©Nancy E. Banks

          Apropos of nothing at all, and ignoring the season, I give you a couple of photos taken several years ago at the Shinto shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, Japan.
          Why? You know the answer for the sake barrels—because I like type. Don't care if it's Japanese type and I can't read it. It's good stuff. Also, I like design, and I was delighted by the design made by the repeating sake barrels, as well as by the designs on the individual barrels.
          This, kiddies, is why you go to Japan. Everyday things are treated like art. It's my kind of place.

Ema boards. Worshippers write prayers or wishes on them and then leave them at the shrine.
©Nancy E. Banks

         
          The ema boards, also photographed at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, I like because of the beautifully-drawn illustrations on them, and also because, when you compose the photo well and the gods are smiling on your effort, you get a very pleasing design.