Paint the World

Happy Hours

2011-12-05T13:03:00.001+01:00

Yosakoi

2011-09-18T23:36:00.000+02:00

Yosakoi (よさこい) is an unique style of dance and a modern rendition of a tradition summer dance, Awa Odori. The style of dance is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music. In the dialect of Tosa province modern-day Kōchi Prefecture, Yosakoi means Come at night.

The costumes used by Yosakoi teams vary widely. Happy coats and yukata. However, some groups choose costumes that are based on historical attire, popular fashions, or ethnic fashions.

The official yosakoi dance is based on a song called Yosakoi Naruko Dancing, written by Takemasa Eisaku.

Namagashi

2011-09-18T13:48:00.001+02:00

Is a type of Wagashi, often used in Japanese Tea Ceremonies

Kumquats

2011-09-17T03:03:00.004+02:00

Kumquats or cumquats are a group of small fruit-bearing trees in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, either forming the genus Fortunella, or placed within Citrus sensu lato. The edible fruit closely resembles that of the orange (Citrus sinensis), but it is much smaller and ovular, being approximately the size and shape of an olive.

Aomikan

2011-09-17T03:00:00.004+02:00

Aomikan is a green tangerine that are available in Japan from around theend of August though September. There are simply tangerines that have been harvested a few weeks early. They are tart and tangy.

Made of Stone

2011-09-17T02:57:00.000+02:00

This Lamp is made with a sea-stone and wood by → japanese hands. The stone shape which is a gift from the natures naturally unique and that makes the lampshade very special. When you light up the lampshade the smooth surface of the stone shows an exceptional beauty with a warm glow and the delicate ornament adds a dramatic accent.

Nishijin Brocade

2011-09-17T01:13:00.002+02:00

Nishijin Ori is the most famous brocade in Japan. The roots of Kyoto’s Nishijin brocade go back 1,200 years, to a time when Japan’s Imperial Court employed weavers to produce high-quality, luxury fabrics for the court’s nobles. By the middle of the Heian Period 794-1192, such state-owned textile operations were on the decline, and weavers increasingly chose to set up their own independent workshops. At the same time, new weaving techniques were arriving from Sung Dynasty China, which the Nishijin weavers were.

Japanese Anemone

2011-09-16T23:18:00.000+02:00

Windflower

Few plants can send up a succession of flowers from August until late October and look elegant at every stage, whether tight bud, long-lasting flower or neatly spherical seed head. But the Japanese anemone manages it perfectly, and there are few more beautiful forms. This distinctive plant reaches 90cm tall and was discovered at Hadspen House in Somerset in the late 1970s by plantsman Eric Smith.

The term Japanese anemone is misleading. A. hupehensis is actually a native of Hupeh province in eastern China, but it was grown in Japanese gardens for centuries, hence the confusion. Robert Fortune (1812-1880) introduced it into Europe in 1844, having apparently discovered it running between the tombstones in a Shanghai graveyard. It was one of several long-lived, ethereal plants used to commemorate the dead. In the garden setting, too, they seem to enjoy popping up through stonework or paving close to buildings or paths.

Art in Shoes

2010-12-25T08:34:00.008+01:00

Created by the famous designer Lee Alexander McQueen

Hôtel Costes K Paris

2010-11-07T22:01:00.028+01:00

Hotel Costes K is very unusual modern hotel, built in Spanish style by designer Ricardo Boffill. It differs from another old-fashioned elegant hotels in paris offering fashionable accommodation. Hotel Costes K is situated between the Arc de Triomphe and the Seine, even in the very centre of Paris.

Interiors of the hotel are stylish and simple similar to Japanese minimal-style hotel decors.

Each of the 83 rooms in this great hotel has much space, light and air and are equipped with all necessaries for a wonderful stay. In guest rooms there are huge bathrooms that overlook the courtyard garden.

Hotel Costes K boasts it fitness&SPA facilities such as sauna, swimming pool, hammam, spa facilities, spacious Gym with trainers. In small and perfect restaurant serving light snacks and dishes prevails relaxed and unique atmosphere.

Harajuku

2010-11-06T17:53:00.000+01:00

H a r a j u k u S t r e e t F a s h i o n

Harajuku is a district in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo situated next to the Meiji Jingu shrine. A near by bridge over the Yamanote railway line is the hot spot for some of the most imaginative and bizarre manifestations of youthful exuberance found anywhere in Japan.

Every Sunday groups of mostly teenage girls gather in Harajuku to be hip, to be seen and to express themselves through what is known as "kosu-purei" costume play. These young folks whose previous generation was known as the "Takenokozoku" bamboo shoot tribe. The girls spend hours creating their costumes and putting on their faces. Their purpose is to be as different as possible from anything that resembles the ordinary.

Shell Residence

2010-11-06T04:18:00.000+01:00

Architectural design is the “Shell” residence by Japanese Architect, Kotaro Ide

Geisha Look

2010-11-05T12:53:00.004+01:00

Geisha look in Fashion World
Photographer Olaf Wipperfürth
Model Anne Vyalitsyna

Giorgio Armani Fall 2010

2010-11-02T14:23:00.001+01:00

Runway - Elegance - more

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2010

2010-11-02T11:11:00.001+01:00

Runway - Galliano - more

Lavender Ideas

2010-11-02T10:11:00.001+01:00

The name Lavender was derived from the Italian word lavarsi, meaning simply to wash oneself, as the plant was crushed, added to olive oil and then used as a primitive soap in Roman times to improve its suppleness. The plants strong scented resin has strong antibiotic properties and was even used to disinfect hospital floors during World war II. When the plants oil is burned in aromatherapy it will curiously repel moths from the house and induce a positive effect on human respiration. Lavender's anti-inflammatory properties can relieve skin burns and when mixed with rose water can even cure acne. The plant was used during the years of the plague to repel the fleas that carried the disease.

In France and Italy lavender is used as a flavoring for meat dishes and sauces.

Lavender Chicken Escalopes with Caramelized Peaches

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts
4 large peaches or nectarines
3 whole lavender flowers, without stems
300g dried breadcrumbs
2 eggs

1. Beat the chicken breasts well with a rolling pin or large, blunt vessel on a solid workbench. Lightly dust the flattened breasts with some seasoned flour and set aside.

2. Finely chop the lavender flowers and mix with the breadcrumbs.

3. Immerse the breasts in the beaten eggs and then coat in the breadcrumb and lavender mixture, set aside in the fridge to rest.

4. In the meantime slice the peaches or nectarines into thin slices, heat a knob of unsalted in a non-stick pan

5. When the butter foams, add the peach slices and pan-fry until golden brown and caramelized then place them in a warm serving dish and cover.

6. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a non-stick pan to a medium heat and fry the chicken breasts until cooked through and golden.

7. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper, sprinkle with a pinch of fine sea salt and serve. Bon appetit!

Power of Flower

2010-11-02T08:15:00.000+01:00

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Chanel Fall 2010 Couture

2010-10-31T20:27:00.005+01:00

Runway Karl Lagerfeld

Grand Canyon

2010-10-24T05:47:00.000+02:00

"Being Indian is mainly in your heart. It's a way of walking with the earth instead of upon it. A lot of the history books talk about us Indians in the past tense, but we don't plan on going anywhere... We have lost so much, but the thing that holds us together is that we all belong to and are protectors of the earth; that's the reason for us being here. Mother Earth is not a resource, she is a heirloom."
Chief Joseph

Autumn Calling

2010-10-23T13:21:00.008+02:00

Autumn is the time when every leaf is a glowing flower

Japanese Style

2010-10-21T09:18:00.004+02:00

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Orchids

2010-10-20T07:49:00.002+02:00

Photo April & Harry

Orchids are women,

a female flower...

Undeniably

Then women are orchids as well?

Colorfull Living

2010-10-19T01:21:00.003+02:00

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R C Gorman

2010-10-16T05:43:00.002+02:00

Rudolph Carl Gorman, a native American, was born in Chinle, Arizona. During his early years he lived in a hogan and had little experience with the world beyond the Navajo reservation. He was raised by his grandmother who ignited his ambition by recounting Navajo legends and by acquainting him with his artistic ancestors. In 1958 he received the first scholarship ever given by the Navajo tribe for study outside the United States. At Mexico City College, Gorman had exposure to the artists Rivera, Siqueiros, and Tamayo, who inspired him to change the direction of his art. He also met Jose Sanchez, a master printer, and, under his direction, made his first lithographs. Gorman has had more than twenty one-man shows and participated in thirty group shows, including the exhibit Masterworks of the American Indian held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (he was the only living artist represented). That museum is one of fourteen American art institutions to include his work in their collections.

1932 – 2005
Video

Bamboo House

2010-10-16T05:31:00.004+02:00

Kengo Kuma's called " Bamboo Wall," is inspired by the Chinese wall so that it will fit into the landscape. Bamboo is the dominant material in the Kuma's home. Kengo Kuma

Pretty

2010-10-16T02:49:00.002+02:00

No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they're pretty, even if they aren't.

Marilyn Monroe

Carnevale di Venezia

2010-10-16T02:05:00.003+02:00

Wagashi

2010-10-15T07:14:00.001+02:00

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese confectionery which is often served with tea, especially the types made of mochi, azuki bean paste, and fruits.

Wagashi is typically made from natural based, mainly plant, ingredients. The names used for wagashi commonly fit a formula a natural beauty and a word from ancient literature they are thus often written with hyōgaiji kanji that are not commonly used or known, and are glossed with furigana.

Generally, confectioneries that were introduced from the West after the Meiji Restoration are not considered wagashi. Most sorts of Okinawan confectionery and those originating in Europe or China that use ingredients alien to traditional Japanese cuisine, kasutera, are only rarely called wagashi.

Bougainvillea

2010-09-16T17:20:00.006+02:00

In 1768 when Admiral Louis de Bougainvillea, France began his long journey to the Pacific Ocean and discovered the vine that now bearshis name, it was a botanical highlight of the voyage. Through the ensuing years, this Brazilian beauty has assumed its rightful place as one of the most popular, spectacular and beautiful tropical plants.

Ballet Fashion

2010-02-26T16:31:00.008+01:00

Impression Westlake

2010-02-24T02:56:00.016+01:00

Impression West Lake is renowned Japanese composer Kitaro's soundtrack
- Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony -
Directed themed performance set in Hangzhou's West Lake.

Located in the scenic area of the Yue Lake of the West Lake in Hangzhou and in harmony with its world-famous landscape, Impression West Lake is the most beautiful metropolitan theatre with natural mountains and waters as its backdrop. Thanks to the magic colours resulted from the clear climate changes in four seasons in Jiangnan, south to the Yangtze River, China. Every time when you watch the show, you get a wonderful different feeling. To this point, each show is unique and undubitable.

This show was directed by Zhang Yimou, an outstanding film artist.

Video

Ama Divers - The Real Mermaids

2010-02-24T01:36:00.020+01:00

Ama 海女 means Women of the Sea
These women who, like mermaids are sovereign through the water in search of oysters coveted gems. Originally appeared on the food as algae, shellfish, octopus, sea urchins and oysters.According to Japanese tradition teaches Ama divers have been in existence for almost 2000 years. Until as late as the 1960s came the only clothed with a little hip and a head rag clothes.

Nineteen year old Misaki Omukai 大向美咲さん of Kuji City in Iwate Prefecture

There are also male Ama divers but the majority are women because the women have more body fat, which enables them to keep warm in colder water. Even in Japan Ama-regarded women as exotic and are highly valued in the 'marriage market'.