ISLAMABAD: To experience and explore the rich cultural diversity and aesthetic beauty of Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Lahore and Lahore Sogetsu Study Group organized the exhibitions of Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and ikebana flower arrangement, two of Japan’s most cherished cultural traditions spanning over centuries of history.
According to a statement issued here by Japan embassy on Friday, Wagashi exhibition titled “Wagashi- Art of the 5 Senses” presented the pleasantly colored dainty pieces of sweets called the art of the five senses as they are some beautiful works of art designed to appeal all the senses with their appearance, flavor, aroma, feel and the sounds of their names.
While reflecting the various aspects of nature and the changing seasons, Wagashi sweets are beautifully shaped and crafted earning them the name of edible art which are traditionally served as a supplement to the Japanese tea ceremony.
Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, ITO Takeshi formally inaugurated the two exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Chef of the Embassy of Japan, Yamazaki Tetsuya via his skills demonstrated the art of preparing a variety of colorful and delicious wagashi sweets, using traditional ingredients, methods and techniques.
On the occasion Yamazaki elaborately spoke about the cultural significance of Japanese confectionery that was not only used at different celebrations, festivals and rituals in Japan but also reflecting the changing seasons. He received a great applause from the attendees.
Ikebana Floral Exhibition
Along with Waghashi, the students and teachers of Lahore Sogetsu Study Group, displayed their spring arrangements titled “Mughal Architecture through the eyes of Sogetsu Ikebana”, in the ikebana exhibition.
The teachers and students took the floral designs while inspirating from the numerous Floral Frescoes of the monuments of the Walled City, namely Lahore Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Badshahi Masjid, Wazir Khan Masjid, Shahi Hammam etc.
On the occasion, Director Sogetsu Study Group, Neveen Syed demonstrated over the whole procedure and the work done by the students and teachers adding that this was the exhibition where for the first time in Lahore when the history was linked with flowers, while floral artists of Ikebana have expressed their feelings through the meditative art of Sogetsu Ikebana, spreading a message of peace, harmony and friendship through flowers.
