JAPANese traditional art of bonseki

at the national art gallery, islamabad

BONSEKI DEMONSTRATION HELD AT THE NATIONAL ART GALLERY ISLAMABAD

Islamabad: 14th October 2014

The Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan organized a lecture and demonstration of ‘BONSEKI’ at the National Art Gallery on Tuesday 14th October, 2014.
Mrs. Midori Inomata, wife of the Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan, gave the lecture and demonstration of Bonseki which was well attended and deeply appreciated by the art lovers. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata who was also present at the occasion lauded his wife for introducing the Japanese art of Bonseki to the Pakistani people.
Bonseki is a traditional Japanese art in which scenery of the four seasons is portrayed in miniature by placing natural stones on black lacquer trays, with various size and amounts of white sand used to add dimension. Bonseki enjoyed great popularity in Japan during the Edo Era (1603-1867).
Bonseki scenes often depict mountains, seashores, and gardens. Small stones are used to represent mountains, shore lines or rocky islands that waves break upon. Miniature structures, usually of painted copper, are sometimes added to the work to make houses, temples, bridges, and the like.
Mrs. Midori Inomata who has mastered this art over the years captivated the attention of the viewers by skillfully demonstrating the art of Bonseki. She will also give lecture and demonstration of Bonseki in Lahore on 23rd October 2014. (End)