Our local shrine held its annual bonbori lantern festival the other day. The precincts are impressive at any time. But in the gloaming, illuminated with the gentle flicker of candlelight diffused through washi paper, it is magical.
The lanterns, erected on stands so they are about head height, are decorated by local artists. In style, they range from powerful freeform calligraphy to exquisite nihonga to stylised cartoon manga. And the themes span the gamut from traditional to topical and whimsical to outright kitsch.
As always, one of the most popular themes is food, not cooked but in its natural form. Vegetables, fruit and fish – along with rice and sake, of course – have been the principal offerings to the gods since ancient times. And that is one important aspect of these decorations, which are put up for three nights in the shrine precincts, just ahead of the obon festival of the ancestors. Here are some of the lanterns that caught our eye this year...
A striking (and seasonal) illustration of a lotus flower; and one that could only be by our old friend, Sasameya Yuki.
Dried fish…
seasonal vegetables…
squash, peas and tomato…
peppers…
quinces…
and loquats…
a sake flask and cup...
and a bit of sloganeering — for a "Smoke Free" prefecture... Right on!
