Reference
Hamonshu: A Japanese Book of Wave and Ripple Designs (1903)
Water is one of the most dynamic and fascinating elements of Japanese tattooing and countless artists all over the globe strive to perfect their understanding of this beautiful subject, me included. Ukiyo-e is the obvious place to go for studying and in my research I came across this gem, the work of Mori Yuzan.
From The Public Domain Review:
The three volumes bring together a wonderful selection of wave and ripple designs produced by the Japanese artist Mori Yuzan, about whom not a lot is known, apart from that he hailed from Kyoto, worked in the Nihonga style, and died in 1917. The works would have acted as a kind of go-to guide for Japanese craftsmen looking to adorn their wares with wave and ripple patterns. The designs would have found their way onto swords (both blades and handles) and associated paraphernalia (known as “sword furniture”), as well as lacquerware, Netsuke, religious objects, and a host of other items.
Picture-book of Wild Flowers (“Ehon Noyama Gusa”)
Another wonderful reference, this time focused on wild flowers, depicted in beautiful monochromatic prints by Tachibana Yasukuni.
Born in 1715, he was the son of Tachibana Morikuni, of whom he was a pupil and protégé and, like his father, a follower of the Kanō school. Active in Osaka for a good part of the 18th century, he devoted himself to painting, engraving and book illustration. He was awarded the title of hokkyō in 1755 and the title of hōgen in 1770, respectively the third and second highest degrees awarded to Buddhist artists.
Mindset
The power of Intention
The Seat of the Soul’ by Gary Zukav is a spiritual and philosophical exploration of human consciousness and personal transformation. The book argues that humanity is evolving from a focus on external power, driven by competition, control, and materialism, to a new era of “authentic power” based on spiritual alignment, compassion, and inner wisdom.
Zukav introduces the concept of the “soul” as the essence of who we are, beyond our physical existence. He suggests that as we connect with our soul, we become aware of our higher purpose and develop emotional awareness, intuition, and spiritual insight. By living with intention and aligning one’s choices with love and responsibility, we can create harmony within ourselves and the world, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.
Productivity
How to manage your time more effectively (according to machines)
Human beings and computers alike share the challenge of how to get as much done as possible in a limited time. Over the last fifty or so years, computer scientists have learned a lot of good strategies for managing time effectively — and they have a lot of experience with what can go wrong. Brian Christian shares how we can use some of these insights to help make the most of our own lives.
(TedED)