When I began learning a Japanese sword art over a decade ago I was told that if you ask a Japanese teacher why he practices the Japanese sword that he will skillfully change the subject and not attempt to answer your question. The reason is easy enough to understand: if you need to ask why ...
The movies never seem to get the story right. When I was young I went to see the movie "Lawrence of Arabia" and happily believed that it was a historical account of what had actually happened. It was an illusion that was shattered however when a friend took his uncle to see the movie. His ...
Tatonka® Cartridge Boards are cartridge displays created from non-live ammunition and make a nice addition to whatever wall of whatever room you may choose to place them on. The aesthetics are nicely done creating an unobtrusive, but interesting display. The Tatonka® rifle display board features the common US calibers. With their tasteful wood frames and dark ...
The history of the Japanese people begins around the time of Christ in the last century BC when by which time they had migrated across from the mainland and were building a civilization on the Yamato Plain, the Buddhist influence coming in around five to six hundred years later. So Buddhism in Japan has about ...
Ivan Pavlovich Pokhitonov was passionate about hunting and passionate about painting, something that those who like to characterize hunters as barbaric and un-cultured would simply be unable to comprehend. But its a natural mix; the hunter has a keen eye for detail and a love of nature made all the more real because of his ...
When it comes to decorating the house choice is commonly based on compromise unless you happen to be a crusty old bachelor, or a young "the world is at my feet" one. Personally I would happily decorate a home with fireams, swords and car paraphernalia, perhaps with some bits from old steam trains thrown in ...
Bonhams are auctioning a collection of Japanese arms and armor and for those, like me, who are interested in Japan and her history there are a large number of items that would be desirable additions to a collection, or stand alone items that people might just want to own for their own sake. My own interest ...
In mainland China there is a saying "Done is better than perfect". It is an attitude that tends to be reflected in the quality of typical Chinese made goods; the price may be low but the quality control is commonly lacking. The Japanese have a long tradition of a different attitude to quality which might ...
The words "Alfa Romeo" conjure up a whole different set of ideas as opposed to words like Hyundai, or Ford, or Toyota. There is a heritage behind Alfa Romeo that such others don't have, an Italianness that promises exotic things that non-Italian cars mysteriously can't offer. Other cars may be very good, they might be ...