For a taste of Japan, many people head over to Tsunami for
overpriced sushi and noodles in the Ackerman Union A-level. But,
why not skip the tepid fare and get your Japanese fill at the UCLA
Fowler Museum of Cultural History?
“MATSURI! Japanese Festival Arts,” which will be on
display through Feb. 9, 2003, is actually a lot like Tsunami food
““ it’s mildly tasty, but definitely nowhere near
wonderful. The sushi isn’t anything like eating real Japanese
cuisine, and the exhibit likewise is just a nice substitute for
authentic Japanese culture.
However, whereas Tsunami noodles will set you back at least
$3.99, the Fowler Museum is free for students all the time and for
the month of October, admission is free to the public, too.
The new exhibit is based on traditional Japanese matsuri
(meaning “to offer worship”), festivals that celebrate
Shinto and Buddhist deities in order to receive blessings for the
year. These one-to-seven day festivals have been a long tradition
in Japan, with elaborate entertainment, music, masks and dress.
The Fowler exhibit effectively recreates such festivals through
a wide array of ancient and contemporary artifacts, including over
250 textile cloth products, most of which were hand-created.
The textiles beautifully range in color and form, offering
vibrant pieces of history and culture. For example, authentic haori
(theater coats) from the Late Edo Period (1603-1867), are shown in
perfect condition with decorations of pine trees, bamboo and
cranes.
Other textiles on display include a variety of yukata robes
(summer kimonos), children’s ha’pi (festival coats),
hanten (theater coats) and fishermen’s banners, all retaining
their vibrant hues and Eastern charm.
A special part of the exhibit is dedicated to the portions of
the matsuri festivals held in celebration of firemen. In light of
the recent commemoration of U.S. firemen, these displays take on a
deeper significance with photos, paintings and the ornate coats
that esteemed firemen wear while participating in the parades.
Videos of various matsuri in cities throughout Japan play on
several screens throughout the exhibit, giving both the old and new
artifacts a contemporary contextualization. The drone of the
Shinto-Buddhist incantation and drum beats heard from the video
footage pervade the halls, crafting a more holistic glimpse at
these cultural celebrations.
With the resurgent interest in Eastern philosophy, culture and
fashion which has taken place over the last 10 years, the exhibit
provides more insight into a land and people that are still worlds
away.
It’s an interesting experience, surely not the most
exciting way you could spend your lunch, but it beats eating
glorified Top Ramen while watching the College Television
Network.