Core Kyoto

Season 10, Episode 3: Writing Implements: Modern Elegance in Traditional Stationery

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Aristocracy, samurai and high-ranking citizens of the ancient capital prized writing implements of sophisticated design, made with expert skill. Stationery was seen as conveyance of their intellect and sense. This deep-rooted calligraphic culture survives in Kyoto in fountain pen ink inspired by Kyoto's dyeing specialists, colorful pastels in traditional hues, and jewel-like glass pens. Discover how the world of ink and other stationery continues to enrich people's lives in the ancient capital.

All Episodes - Season 10

Woven Gold and Silver: A World of Shimmering Patterns
Episode 1
Woven Gold and Silver: A World of Shimmering Patterns
 Conversations: A Living Museum of Modern Architecture
Episode 2
Conversations: A Living Museum of Modern Architecture
 Writing Implements: Modern Elegance in Traditional Stationery
Episode 3
Writing Implements: Modern Elegance in Traditional Stationery
 Kyoto's Countryside: Compassion for Nature and its Blessings
Episode 4
Kyoto's Countryside: Compassion for Nature and its Blessings
 Conversations: The Power of Women in Decorative Arts
Episode 5
Conversations: The Power of Women in Decorative Arts
 Gateways: Sacred Demarcations that Repel Evil
Episode 6
Gateways: Sacred Demarcations that Repel Evil
 Buddhist Bells of Prayer: A Universe of Sound Cleanses the Heart
Episode 7
Buddhist Bells of Prayer: A Universe of Sound Cleanses the Heart
 Conversations: Learning Aesthetics from the Ancients
Episode 8
Conversations: Learning Aesthetics from the Ancients
 Old Building Materials: The Ancient Capital's Culture of Recycling
Episode 9
Old Building Materials: The Ancient Capital's Culture of Recycling
 Dried Foods: Ancient Wisdom Gracing Kyoto Tables
Episode 10
Dried Foods: Ancient Wisdom Gracing Kyoto Tables
 Art Frontier: Creators Forge New Paths into the Future
Episode 11
Art Frontier: Creators Forge New Paths into the Future
 The Lights of Kyoto: Illuminating and Soothing People's Hearts
Episode 12
The Lights of Kyoto: Illuminating and Soothing People's Hearts
 Shikimono: The Culture of Living on the Floor
Episode 13
Shikimono: The Culture of Living on the Floor
 Wazuka Tea: A Vibrant Village of Fragrant Fields
Episode 14
Wazuka Tea: A Vibrant Village of Fragrant Fields
 The Beauty in Copying: An Art Form of Aspirations
Episode 15
The Beauty in Copying: An Art Form of Aspirations
 Conversations: The Colors of Kyoto
Episode 16
Conversations: The Colors of Kyoto
 Ornamental Metalwork: Magnificent Mastery Transcends Generations
Episode 17
Ornamental Metalwork: Magnificent Mastery Transcends Generations
 Men's Kimono: The Beauty of Dressing with Flair
Episode 18
Men's Kimono: The Beauty of Dressing with Flair
 New Directions for Washi: The Sustainable, Elegant Use of Paper
Episode 19
New Directions for Washi: The Sustainable, Elegant Use of Paper
 Kamo River: The Flow of Life and Culture in the Ancient Capital
Episode 20
Kamo River: The Flow of Life and Culture in the Ancient Capital
 The Spirit of Frugality: Modern Ingenuity and Age-Old Wisdom
Episode 21
The Spirit of Frugality: Modern Ingenuity and Age-Old Wisdom
 Dashi Stock: Savory Umami for Exquisite Cuisine
Episode 22
Dashi Stock: Savory Umami for Exquisite Cuisine
 The Dragon: Deity of Water, Protector of the Capital
Episode 23
The Dragon: Deity of Water, Protector of the Capital
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