AW - The Orient in progress

* Aria Murasaka

AW - The Orient in progress

Updates on my work for the Oriental part of AW

February 18 , 2008

Another long-term oriental project under way

Posted at 11:45 EST

Probably a lot of people who will stumble upon it will wonder what kind of boring person would post that. Unlike the print gallery and the photographies library, I do not entertain the hope that anyone will enjoy this. But on the other hand, it's such an admirable and important source when it comes to Japan that I couldn't resist

The Kojiki - translation and notes

The Kojiki is the first historical chronicles ever written in Japan, and it so happens that one of the English translations is actually in the public domain. Now, like any book of this kind, it is quite a tedious read, which isn't helped by the translation (the fact for instance that any passage with the slightest hint of sensuality is actually translated in Latin!), but hopefully I'll add enough notes, as well as a few articles, to make it at least a good source of information on Japan, which is the reason why I will put it all online. It's quite a long book so I imagine this may take me a few months in all, so a rather long-term project

Also, I've just received a complete Hiroshige series (early 20th century reprints) that I am hoping to put online whithin the next few weeks, alongside a few others. But I will probably update new photographies to the pictures library before that

February 10 , 2008

Art gallery major update!

Posted at 20:00 EST

I am delighted to announce the opening of a new section to the Art Gallery. This new space celebrates the famous "Tale of Genji" through the works of all the woodblock artists it has inspired

Gallery - "Tale of Genji" thematic

Each specific series will have its own thread. I very much hope to be able to build this section in time, gradually completing each series

The first prints to be posted in this new section are four prints by 20th century artist Ebina Masao, which you'll find here. There are also a couple new prints in the General 19th century woodblock prints section by Kiyosada representing the world of Edo Theatre. I have already received more prints with more under way, so new upates should follow in a few days

I will also be updating the Pictures Library Headquarters, so you may want to visit it too in the next few days for new pics, announcements and features

January 30 , 2008

Pictures Library Headquarters and Eastern Asia Branch now open!

Posted at 20:15 EST

There's still much to do, but at least it's now here and open for "business", so to speak *g*

Pictures Library Headquarters and Eastern Asia Branch

I wasn't sure I would have it ready to open so early after the opening of the Mesopotamian Branch. It owns a lot to the tremendous support I've received from members of AW, and not just of Meso, since I've started this project: thank you so much!!!!!!!

For now, there's mostly a few pictures and some basic information, but a lot more information regarding the Pictures Library Network as a whole, a branch locator, codes to link to us, as well as details on the "Pictures on Demand" service will come up soon! And of course, more pictures will be added regularly while I'm working through those I've taken at London during my trip there

Check the main page there regularly and/or keep an eye on this journal for more updates ;-)

January 23 , 2008

First of the Pictures Libraries now open

Posted at 10:45 EST

And you can find it here. The goal of course being to offer AW members photographies of historical interest that they can use on this site. Check there regularly about new features coming soon, including links back and explanations as to how you too can contribute to the Library, if you so wish

Now of course this is not an "Oriental" piece of news per se, but the headquarters to the Pictures Library Networks is located in the Orient and currently under work - not sure if this is what I'm going to open next, but it's certainly next on my list alongside the Germanian Pictures Library.....oh we'll see! I'll keep you all in touch anyway ;-)

January 17 , 2008

New project - sneak preview

Posted at 20:15 EST

It's coming soon....

It's coming soon....near you!

Stay tuned for more information about this new project very, very soon, as well as updates on current projects

December 26 , 2007

Merry Christmas! (and updates....)

Posted at 13:00 EST

First, I hope you've all had a great Christmas! Mine was quiet (except for the ponctual need to fan myself when DT was on tv, which happened quite a lot - and there will be more in the upcoming days, eek!!!!). Best wishes to all of you who are celebrating Boxing Day and for the upcoming New Year celebrations ^-^

As for the updates: I've completed the general update of the Orient Site Map; if however you spot a mistake, please let me know so that I can make the necessary changes asap; also, if you buy a new home or change/create new threads/boards at your current one, I would be thankful if you could let me know so that the map can stay as up-to-date as possible: unfortunately, Ancient Worlds doesn't pay me enough for me to tour the Orient more than a few times a year, LOL

Oh, and since I've been asked by a few people, I thought I'd mention I've begun posting close-ups and translating that famous Shogunate clothing woodblock print I've posted at the Art Gallery the other day. Part 1 can be found here at Silk & Gold (I thought it was the best-suited place for it). Sorry, but I have to break it into sections because some terms are quite difficult for me to find (some kanji are actually a little difficult to read, or aren't commonly used anymore :s). Don't know when the next update will be, but it should be before the end of the week

Ok, I'm off to some painting now: I still need to complete that japanese artefact thingy :D

Oh, and on a completely different note: I've just realised this journal has been seen more than 1000 times since it was created in August this year, whoohoo! Do they offer medals for that? Even ones made in chocolate - actually, I would quite love that, LOL

December 23 , 2007

Art gallery: new prints added

Posted at 11:45 EST

Argh, I hate it! A few technical and health problems added up over the last few weeks and slowed me down considerably: hopefully though, the holidays will allow me to make up for lost time, starting now!

Finally got around to post two new prints in the General 19th century woodblock prints section. I have recently received a few more I'll be gradually adding, so stay tuned for updates!

I'm also working on a new japanese artefact painting, but first I must complete a work for another part of AW (for which I'm actually quite late already, eek!) so I'm not sure I'll finish it today

Oh, and I am halfway through updating the Oriental Site Map (see below), so if you don't see your property listed there yet, don't worry, it will be shortly!

December 11 , 2007

Oriental Site Map update

Posted at 15:00 EST

I am currently in the process of updating the Oriental Site Map: main page has been done yesterday and I am thriving towards updating one page a day so that this is completed around the end of the weekend

December 8 , 2007

Art gallery update

Posted at 23:00 EST

Just to let you know that I have added two new prints to the General 20th century woodblock prints category. Also, a plaque is available for those who would like to keep the link to the gallery, or to use it to decorate their home....or both :p

Also, I wanted to say I've been truely overwhelmed by the number of highly encouraging comments I've received regarding this little project: thank you again so much to all of you who have taken the time to leave a word at the Curator's Desk, to leave a scroll at my home or to send me a gram. I hope you'll enjoy the updates!

December 4 , 2007

Art gallery now open!

Posted at 22:15 EST

I've been talking about buying properties in the hoods to set up various things: finally got around to actually work on one (what do you know, small miracles might happen sometimes). It's an art gallery in Yoshiwara (Edo, Japan) where you'll find scan/pictures, as well as short texts about artworks, in particular woodblock prints:

Art Gallery

I hope you'll enjoy what is already up, and don't hesitate to visit regularly as I add more content there