tea ceremony teacher, dressed in kimono for the occasion
(photo by Kirsty Kawano)
Malcolm Ledger lives in a remarkable house, a restored ryokan situated by a wooded mountain stream in Kyoto’s north-west. So special is the setting that the prestigious Aman franchise chose it for the location of their Kyoto hotel.
Though billed as a maple-viewing party, the event was more of a socialising and networking occasion. The maples this year are simply not so pretty this year. Far from being spectacular in red, they are a rather dirty brown. The cause is said to lie in the heat of summer and a lack of water, weakening the trees’ capacity to produce the usual effect.
Every cloud has a silver lining, and the lack of maple splendour led to more time for drinking and eating the generous pot-luck selections. As well as a short outing along the stream that runs past the remarkable rocky open basement, the occasion provided an opportunity for Rebecca Otowa to tell the group of her latest publication, a labour of love detailing the many fascinating objects in her venerable old house. Thanks to her, and a big thank you to Malcolm.
(photo by Malcolm Ledger)
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To see a review of Rebecca’s book, please click here.
Malcolm was the winner of this year’s Japan Local Prize for “Plum Tree by the Eaves”, depicting an ancient tree which embodies the sophistication and elegance of the Heian Period. For pictures of Malcolm’s house and the glorious maples of 2020, please see this report by Felicity Tillack. For Malcolm’s prose and poetry, please run a search on this website.
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