January 26 was the Chinese New Year, and each year Nagasaki City puts on a Lantern Festival to celebrate.

I've seen and taken many photos of this before, but this time I was especially interested in the paintings on fabric (silk?), since they closely resemble the style of painting I currently study. Their ethereal quality makes them hard to resist. They're in such contrast to all the crashing color and vibrant noise that is so typical of a night at the festival.

Kujaku 孔雀

Here's a photo of one of the pieces I saw at the Lantern Festival. You'll be happy to know I chose not to post the picture of the scary pig heads (real - NOT lanterns) that were on display directly across from this peacock. ??? pigheads??? They were all around this shrine-looking thing. Almost like all the pigs were at a drive-in movie, but facing the wrong way... Never could get a straight answer/explanation about that one!

Drummer boy

I know I promised the Snow Festival pics (I'll get to them - honest), but I just had to post these from last night at the Nagasaki Lantern Festival. I was right up front for this performance of Okinawan drumming (drumming + crisp movements + excited whistling + exuberant faces!).
There was so much joy in the kids' expressions...I can still hear and feel the delightful beats inside me this morning!

The white sock-looking things they are wearing are called "tabi"

Can you see the large lanterns in the shape of people in the background?

Ry - I really think you should come over and try this!


***Don't foget to click on the photos to see the larger versions!