#otsugaki

Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Autumn

Seasonality: Early Autumn/ August

Japanese Name: Takegaki/ Otsu-gaki/ Ishi-doro/ Furin/ Semi/ Katori senko/ Jyoshugiku/ Kayariki/ Kayariki-buto/ Uchiwa

English Name: Bamboo fence/ Otsu fence/ Stone platform lantern/ Wind bell/ Cicada/ Mosquito-killing Incense/ Bug-excluding Chrysanthemum/ Mosquito-killing Incense-holder/ Mosquito-killing Pig-shaped Incense-holder/ Group Fan

     Takegaki (竹垣, bamboo fence) are fences that have been used extensively in Japanese gardens during the Kamakura period and developed much later than walls. That is surprising – considering the availability and versatility of the materials used. Their functions are manifold: They block views and separate sceneries, are erected as boundaries around the garden, work as windbreaks or screens or emphasize a special element in a garden. Otsu-gaki (大津垣, woven fence from Otsu, Shiga, Japan) are a specific style of woven bamboo garden fencing that became popular in Kyoto, Japan sue to it’s proximity to the city of Otsu. 

    Ishi-dōrō (石灯籠, stone platform lantern) is a traditional lantern made of stone used in gardens and along the approach (sandō) of a shrine or temple. Like many other elements of Japanese traditional architecture, it originated in China; however, extant specimens in that country are very rare, and in Korea they are not as common as in Japan. In Japan, tōrō were originally used only in Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths. Lit lanterns were then considered an offering to Buddha. During the Heian period (794–1185), however, they started being used also in Shinto shrines and private homes. Due to the Buddhist origin of the lantern, it’s possible that the ishi-doro in this decoration is a reference to the Buddhist O-Bon festivals that commonly occur in August. 

     Furin (風鈴, wind bell) can be often seen during Japan’s humid summers.  Furin were originally a fortune-telling tool in China. The Chinese hung a bell in the bamboo forest and made predictions based on the wind’s direction and its sound. However, since they arrived in Japan through Buddhism, Chinese wind-bells have been used to expel any lurking evil spirits. Japanese people believed that nothing unfortunate would happen to those who lived within earshot of a wind bell. In the 18th century, Dutch glass making techniques were introduced to Nagasaki, one of only four seaports kept open for trade during Japan’s seclusion period. People were instantly attracted to the beauty of glass, which prompted them to learn glass making for themselves. In the 19th century, someone in Edo came up with an idea for glass wind chimes with the glass painting done from the inside in order to protect the colors from fading. It’s believed that the sound of a wind bell tricks the brain into lowering body temperature. 

    Semi (蝉, cicada) hold special significance here in Japan, and are considered to be almost synonymous with summer. Even with the intense heat and humidity of the rainy season in June and July, it is not until the cicadas start chirping that people consider summer to have truly arrived. Cicadas bear deep meaning and a rich cultural history in Japan where they symbolize reincarnation and the cycles of nature. Avi Landau of the Tsuku Blog explains, “Along with the cherry blossom, these creatures, who spend but a few above-ground days living their lives at full throttle before quickly falling away, represent that most quintessential Japanese concept, mujo 無常, the passing nature of all things.” 

     Katori senkō (蚊取り線香, mosquito-killing incense) were invented in Japan, at the end of the 19th century. A man named Ueyama Eiichiro was in the business of exporting mandarin oranges when Fukuzawa Yukichi, the founder of Keio University, introduced him to a seed trader in the United States. This dealer offered Ueyama seeds of a flowering plant that he claimed would knock insects dead. He imported the seeds of Tanacetum cinerariifolium and start growing the plant in Japan. Sure enough, there was something in the flower heads, when dried and ground into a powder, that proved lethal to insects. Ueyama called the plant jyochūgiku (除虫菊, “bug-excluding chrysanthemum”) and built a business that is still a leader in pest control today. To use a mosquito coil, you first place it in a holder to keep it safe and off the ground where it can get air to burn. Simple holders are often included with the coils, but some people get quite particular about what they use to contain their coils, with pig-shaped ceramic holders being a perennial favorite. You light the outer end of the spiral and it burns slowly, progressing toward the center, emitting a mosquito-repelling smoke. 

     Kayariki (蚊遣器, mosquito-killing incense holder) are special incense holders made to hold the green spiral shaped katori senko. Due to the unique shape of katori senko, most come with a simple y-shaped incense holder. Consumers place the tip of the Y-shaped holder into the cut in the center of thekatori senko, make sure it's stable, and put it on a non-flammable saucer. A ceramic or metallic saucer is needed to catch the hot ashes fall from a burning katori senko. Additional kayariki designs were made to better stabilize katori senko, make dealing with the ashes easier, and to better the appearance. The most popular and nostalgic shape of kayariki are kayariki-buta (蚊遣器豚, mosquito-killing pig-shaped incense holder). Other designs include a glass stick inside a semicircular cup, or heavy iron containers with a lid with cut patterns to let the smoke out. 

   Uchiwa (団扇, "group fan”) are non-folding fans with long handles whose paper surfaces can come in oval, round, square or other shapes. The traditional uchiwa fan is made of bamboo, with multiple layers forming the structure onto which the fan paper is glued. It’s a fan commonly used during the summer months and often more elaborate versions of them are given as gifts to guests at events such as weddings. 

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