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I had an amazing weekend exploring the city with the kids. Yesterday, we were in Brooklyn for a going away party (a long time friend is leaving for LA… Boo Hoo). The gathering was on Eastern Parkway just across from the magnificent Brooklyn Museum (and Japanese Garden) I was carrying a wooden shakuhachi around as I try to play as much as possible. It turned out that yesterday was quite eventful and I didn’t get a chance to play most of the day (not even on the subway platforms). But, when we exited and felt the amazing weather, we took the opportunity to soak up some of the rays before going indoors for the party. We saw an ice cream truck so the kids got to have a treat. As they ran in front of the museum, I found my moment to play. There were tons of kids screaming and yelling so the only piece found applicable to the moment was Kumoijishi (translated loosely as Lions in the Clouds). Soon after I began to play, I found a trail of children following me around. What a treat it is to have a captive audience! But, I also felt a little nostalgic as I used to visit and take lessons wtih Brian Tairaku Ritchie who lived just down the street.
It’s Monday, back to the work bench!
Shakuhachi Dentist tools
This Shinsui came in for repair last week. I made a YUNG Model Shakuhachi for the owner about four years ago but it was stolen out of his car. This one was purchased in Japan but was not stored properly. It pretty much needs an overhaul. It has a missing utaguchi, cracks on both sections and damaged Ji in the bore. This one is going to be in the shop for a while. The first thing that needs to be done is closing and stabilizing the cracks. Which actually inspired this blog entry. I recently received some questions from an aspiring shakuhachi maker about bindings. External cord bindings are relatively easy to do and anyone can learn how to do them within a few tries (but it still takes years to perfect). Rattan Inlays, however, are difficult. They are extremely time consuming and requires the skill of a surgeon. They should be practiced on pieces of bamboo first. Aside from skill, the repair person will need proper tools.
CHOUKAN Bass Shakuhachi
A few inquiries came in for Choukan so I thought I should just do one blog entry to answer all the emails. Here is what I presently have in long Choukan bass Sakuhachi.
From left to right:
1) 1.8 Hocchiku for length reference only. On commission - $800
2) 2.9 Chikusing, Chinese Madake, two-piece, F# - $2,800
3) 2.9 Hocchiku all natural. Wide bore F, Nobekan one piece, Chinese Madake - $1,100
4) SOLD 3.0 Chikuisng Standard bore F, Sogawa style Ivory (reclaimed) inlay. Japanese Urushi lacquer - $1,200.
5) 3.0 Chikusing wide bore E. Ivory Sogawa inlay, Urushi lacquer- $1,600
Shakuhachi Repairs Full House!
Every winter repairs flood the shop. Every winter there seems to be more and more flutes coming in. Every year seems to be a record year. I’m surprised that there are so many players in the USA! I get repairs from all over the world, Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan,... but most are domestic repairs. This is certainly a sign that the shakuhachi is spreading far and wide.
Shakuhachi in NYC Public Schools
I’ve done a lot of Lec/dems over the years in the NYC Public Schools system. They usually involve sharing a part of Asian culture through music and art. Yesterday I had the wonderful experience of sharing the rituals of a Chinese New Year celebration with a First Grade class at PS 165 in the Upper upper West Side of Manhattan (some call the neighborhood SOHA - South of Harlem). I demonstrated a proper bow to the ancestral alter, some lion dance, drumming and the giving of Red Envelopes that contain Lucky Money. I also took this opportunity to share the shakuhachi in part of the music discussion.
Room of Bamboo
We went to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City a few days ago. It was a museum week as the kids were on a school break. We are so lucky to be in a city rich in the arts. On every corner is a wonderful surprise. On the way back from the museum, we walked by a public atrium that had bamboo growing inside. As we went in, I noticed a gathering or informal meeting of a group of Korean Ball Joint Doll makers taking place. The dolls were hand made by young women of all colors. I was really cool to see the hand crafted work of young women. Sasa was drawn to them immediately and wandered among them freely.
My Life Continues to Rule!
I’m back from our family trip where I was able to catch up on some late repairs. Now I’m on to the next step - lacquering with authentic Japanese Urushi.
Happy Lunar New Year! My Life Rules!
Happy Lunar New Year all! It’s 4707 in Asia, the year of the Tiger. The Tiger is said to be lucky vivid, lively and engaging. Another attribute of the Tiger is his incredible bravery, evidenced in his willingness to engage in battle or his undying courage. I’m visiting my sister-in-law’s family this week to celebrate the lunar new year. There will be lots of little cousins around which means the kids will be quite pre-occupied, which also means I can get caught up with shakuhachi repairs! One is not supposed to work on New Year’s Day, but today I’m surrounded by things I deeply love so I’m going to take this opportunity to get busy. My life rules!