Monday, May 4, 2009

kokedama



kokedama are planted moss balls and are a classic example of 'i wish this was something that we have here as well'. i am thinking to head to the nursery and discuss procuring some moss and ball-type implements to begin my own kokedama - they are just so lovely, and seem a nice project for the colder gardening months. the hanging versions with delicate ferns are simply beautiful.

i fell for kokedama when we bought a type of kokedama from miho's shop shokubutsu and kohii in kyoto (the best shop in all of kyoto, it has no website - which is actually kind of nice - but i am happy to give directions to anyone going to kyoto) to give to my friend akiko as an opening present when she opened her tea ceremony room, en.

hoa mai is a moss ball flower artist.
also see
here for a lovely moss artist being featured at the most excellent looking hibiyakari in tokyo.
rakuten have a very big section devoted to kokedama.
and this is a
blog devoted to kokedama (and even better, in english, and with care instructions).
and
this appears to be a bit of a definitive site of kokedama in japanese.

a little update:
a quote from salasala blog (the blog on kokedama written in english noted above):

'Its cute round shape and tranquility formed by moss creates a somewhat comical but quiet, wonderful but humble atmosphere. Everytime I look at Kokedama I feel a sense of wonder. I love it.'



from hoa mai blog


above two: rakuten kokedama section




above four: hoa mai

10 comments:

  1. So pretty!
    Thank you for posting lovely!
    xxx
    Love love
    Hello Sandwich
    xxx

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  2. Anonymous08:03

    The fragility touches me. Very Japanese to me. Thanks you, again "I never knew"...

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  3. wow....thank you for posting this, i love this....ABSOLUTLEY BEAUTIFUL!!!
    i want kokedama!!!!

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  4. thanks hello, jo and make it easy for your lovely comments:) they are so great hey? and i think a nice one to try for the southern hemisphere winter garden? very delicate - i especially love the hanging versions. you used to see them a bit in traditional places in japan, but i think they are becoming more popular as part of a new plant design/flower art aesthetic...

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  5. I love these... I didn't know either. I'd like to do a post about your blog and use this as a stepping off point - if that's okay?

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  6. hi lindsay, wow, i would be entirely honoured, of course, no problem! i am so very glad that these have been a bit of a new discovery to you and others, and that they appeal to people's sense of japan-ness and beauty so.

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  7. hi i really love kokedama and i want to learn how to make them. i live in london if u know about somebody please let me know. thanks luciano
    lgv1975@gmail.com

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  8. for me its good to know that again japan is an inpiration for the west and in saying so the inspiration for the rave string gardens .com items..thanks

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  9. oh moss, how I love thee...

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  10. Thanks for sharing this...I kept seeing these all over Japan when we were there in the spring. Bonsai is a hobby of mine, so I became intrigued. It wasn't until I got home though that I looked these up online. I'm definitely going to try making some myself! Moss is absolutely wonderful...slowly I'm cultivating it in the shady places in my garden.

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