Saturday, June 27, 2009

Registration for this event is closed. Join us for an afternoon of art, incense, conversation, and California cuisine as we present an exclusive afternoon at the Iwasawa Oriental Art gallery in Los Gatos. A luncheon follows at the nearby California Café, renowned for its use of seasonal ingredients and locally grown produce.

Our event—which begins with an introduction and private viewing of the Iwasawa collection by proprietor Kumiko Iwasawa Vadas—is structured to build on the upcoming Lords of the Samurai exhibition at the Asian Art Museum. Following the gallery tour, incense Master Kihachiro Nishiura will discuss the history of incense and its use in Samurai society. Mr. Nishiura will explain the important role incense played in Samurai life as a tool for self-enlightenment. Highlighting the Mon-Koh style of incense that evolved in the Muromachi era, Mr. Nishiura’s incense demonstration will allow you the opportunity to “listen to” incense and experience a profound, ancient art.

Mr. Kihachiro Nishiura was born in Tokyo and has a Master’s degree in Geophysics from Ohio University. He has been studying incense, tea ceremony, flower arrangement and calligraphy since his childhood. With many years of discipline and his deep love for Japanese traditional arts, he founded Nishiura Style in 2002. Nishiura Style is a blend of modern and traditional art form, which allows people to express their own uniqueness freely.

Ms. Kumiko Iwasawa Vadas, the proprietor of Iwasawa Oriental Art, commissioned the design and construction of the traditional Japanese building in 1982 to house the collection of Japanese antiquities. Ms. Iwasawa Vadas is the regional chairperson of International Netsuke Society and the founder of Netsuke & Japanese Art Online Research Center. Iwasawa Oriental Art offers identification and appraisal services.

Time:
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Check In & Gallery Preview: 11:30 am
Program: Noon to 1:00 pm
Lunch: 1:00 pm

Location:
Iwasawa Oriental Art
75 University Avenue
Los Gatos, CA
map

Cost:
$35 Japan Society Members
$45 General Admission

This event is sold out. This is a special event hosted by the Japan Society of Northern California. Lecture event discounts do not apply and guest passes will not be accepted. The deadline to RSVP for this event is Friday, June 19, 2009; refunds will not be made after this date. Lunch is included. No host bar.