Perfect Day

Katukawa Shusho (d. 1792) Late 1780's. John C. Weber collection.

Photo copyright John Bigelow

Yesterday was one of those perfect days. Karen and I caught an early train to

NYC to meet up with a friend we hadn't seen in a long time. It's sad when 

distance and careers get in the way of connecting with dear friends. We finally

decided we hadn't seen each other in 17 years. We met at the Asia Society.

They are hosting a wonderful exhibit, "The World of Edo Japan in Print and

Painting". While I count Japanese art as one of my main influences, viewing

the exhibit with Patricia Graham was eye opening. Pat is a former professor

of Japanese Art and Culture.  Her latest book, "Faith and Power in Japanese

Buddhist Art" is encyclopedic. We spent an hour or so viewing the exhibit before

lunch at Asia Societies excellent restaurant. Pat was accompanied by Lee Schneller, 

a fascinating woman, who has lived in Japan for over four years.  She is a premier

expert in landscape design based in Maine. Her company has designed more 

than 150 Japanese inspired gardens, using native plants. Watch her website

for the launch of a book on how to create continuous blooms late this year.

During lunch we turned to catching up on years of family, career, travels

 and children; then back for two more hours of viewing our influences til we 

stumbled out, bleary eyed from visual overload. 

We did manage a visit to two galleries owned by friends of Pat's that specialize

in Japanese art.  The Joan B. Mirviss gallery was especially exciting with many

pieces by Sakiyama Takayuki.  The ceramic pieces, some the size of bushel baskets,

are very earthy; evocative of sand dunes, beaches or plowed earth.  In late afternoon 

we departed, tired but inspired.  A day out with an old friend and meeting some

new ones - perfect.