By Georgie Bright Kunkel

There is nothing like the Seattle Center with children scurrying as close to the International Fountain as they can get and then scooting out to avoid being drenched. I remember when the fountain was more rustic with large stones surrounding the huge streams of water which we all thought were magically programmed to spout to the music. It seems that at first there was a human in the power booth making it all happen. Evidently the rough stones provided some danger so they were removed to be replaced by smooth concrete.
If you had never seen an ikebana demonstration, a tea ceremony or origami, the Japanese Festival was the place to be. Ikebana is a true art form of arranging branches and vines with a flower focus in an interesting vase—and all according to rules established as early as the 15th century. As my friend and I were walking through the display rooms, a table of origami paper folding caught our eyes. Beautifully costumed figures had been constructed entirely from paper.

Seeing these delicately constructed figures reminded me of visiting Tokyo and being hosted by a Japanese woman whose husband managed two skyscrapers in downtown Tokyo. She wore full Japanese garb with an obi representing high status in her community. I learned later that the obi can cost more than the kimono itself. I wanted to get some special stationery and so we entered the paper shop. She spoke to the clerk in a commanding tone and we were waited upon immediately. Even though I was not accustomed to the status levels which were so pronounced I was especially delighted to learn that older people were revered. I was then in my early eighties and did not have to worry about being ignored when I needed help in finding my way around Tokyo.

I suddenly came back from my daydream of my visit to Tokyo as loud drumming could be heard near the exhibition hall. There was a circle of people all dressed in satin and beating upon their drums in intense rhythmic patterns. To further enhance the drumming experience we watched a film about the place that drumming has in Japanese culture. Years ago drums were made from barrels that were covered in skin stretched tightly over the open end. Making such a drum provided a personal association with the instrument.

After leaving the pavilion we saw a long line of people of all ages dressed in
the costume of the Judo wrestler. Some were as young as five. Soon they were taking turns showing off their skill on stage as each move was explained. A tea ceremony was announced and we watched as the graceful woman in traditional kimono went through some ancient moves almost like a slow dance in this tea preparation and serving. Turning away from this demonstration I saw a whole rack of kimonos and women trying them on. The traditional way of wearing the obi was not being followed by the Western women who did not realize that the obi is not a belt but a wrap which is centered under the armpits.

Some years ago my late husband brought two bolts of obi material from overseas. It was not until many years later that I had the nerve to cut into this wonderful silk brocade. Actually I did not do the cutting. I had a tailor make two vests—one of each pattern—leaving four panels of material which I had framed. One day I was wearing one of the vests and a woman sitting next to me at a banquet table remarked about the expensive material. She said it would be worth over a hundred dollars a yard. And here I was at a banquet risking a coffee spill or a catsup spot. From that time on I have been more careful in choosing where to wear it.

Which reminds me--I need some formal wear for an upcoming wedding so I will be reaching into a special closet where I keep these brocade vests and pairing one with a long flowing golden skirt decorated with metallic stars. Classic vintage grandeur beats buying a new outfit any day.

Georgie Bright Kunkel is a freelance writer who may be reached at gnkunkel@comcast.net or 206-935-8663.