着物姿の京美人
On a recent trip to the
Silver Pavilion (
Ginkakuji), in
Kyoto, we met two lovely women decked out in warm-weather kimono.
They were making their way out of the temple, and gladly posed for a photograph.
Under a fairly strong late spring sun, the woman were immaculate. Aside from the angle of their peace signs, nothing was amiss.
Their obi were tastefully chosen, the fabric of the kimono exquisite. Their hair and makeup were clearly done by someone with an experienced hand.
For an interesting contrast, click on the photo and look at the couple in the background.
They are much more representative of every day dress: jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, a semi-layered look on the woman.
© JapanVisitor
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銀閣寺
Kyoto's
Silver Pavilion represents perhaps the pinnacle of Japanese
wabi sabi, or understated beauty.
Located at the northern end of the
Philosopher's Walk near the foot of Mt. Hiei, the main pavilion at Ginkakuji is now under construction.
The building is now totally exposed, and work will continue until March, 2010.
The temple is still well worth a visit.
Yoshimasa Ashikaga built the temple as a retirement villa and gardens around 1460. Following his death, it became a Buddhist temple.
The main structure, Kannon hall, was designed in imitation of the the main hall at
Kinkakuji.
That building was built by his grandfather, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
The "Silver Pavilion" is not silver, but was thus named because of plans to cover it in foil. It was never decorated with silver foil, however, because of the Onin War, which halted work on the temple.
The gardens at the temple are wonderful. The piled sand - above right - at the head of the garden is said to represent
Mt. Fuji.
The grounds behind the temple afford a wonderful view of the pavilion and city beyond.
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