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Decorating Cues From Memoirs Of A Geisha

Taking visual cues from "Memoirs of a Geisha," this season’s home decor reflects Japan’s quiet nobility.
By D Magazine |

Memoir Madness

Epic Beauty >>
This CLOTHING CHEST from Del Saxon has been described by a Smithsonian restoration expert as one of the finest Japanese lacquer pieces in the United States. Made for the Tokugawa Shogun dynasty, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867, this chest from the late 1700s exhibits the family crest, which is the spinach leaf intricately painted in red and gold lacquer with silver leaf. It still has the original silk interiors, also embroidered with the crest, and silk ribbons that were used to secure it in traveling. Like the Medici family in Italy, the arts flourished under the Tokugawa Shogun dynasty in Japan, and this was produced at the height of the lacquer period. Del Saxon Fine Arts & Antiques (to the trade). 1525 Hi Line Dr., Ste. B. 214-742-6921.

<< Egg Drop
KENSHOMA VASE from Forty Five Ten is crafted in the traditional Japanese eggshell lacquer technique. Tiny pieces of toasted eggshell are hand placed with tweezers to form unique patterns and designs. Each piece is then dipped many times in natural resin to create a smooth surface. $85 to $150. Forty Five Ten. 4510 McKinney Ave. 214-559-4510.

Water Lily >>
RED CLOISONNE SINK is made even more graceful in the shape of a lotus blossom. It has a nickel rim, and the bowl has an engraved lotus pattern, also in nickel. A frog on a pewter lily pad drain adds to its Asian harmony. Designed by Linkasink. TKO Associates Inc (to the trade). 230 Decorative Center. 214-741-6060.

<< Rest Your Roe
Designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana, the SUSHI III CHAIR might be a bit crazy. But it’s great to look at. And who doesn’t love sushi? Just $19,000. www.mossonline.com.

Squeeeeeeze! >>
Makiko Yoshida’s FACES ON THE MOON STRESS BALLS make us smile. Made of polyurethane resin and really weird, the set of four is $135. www.mossonline.com.

<< Gilding the Ginkgo
The KYOTO TRAY TABLE from Brunschwig & Fils is in a dark brown crackle finish with stylized ginkgo leaves hand-painted in gold leaf. The curve of the leaf is repeated in the flared shape of the painted legs, creating a graceful silhouette. Brunschwig & Fils (to the trade). 590 Dallas Design Center, Ste. 590. 214-741-6152.

Wall to Wall >>
As a contrast to the extravagant decoration of 18th century chinoiserie, DE GOURNAY offers a new take on 1930s Japanese style. The hand-painted wallpaper panel “Cranes” is inspired by flowing organic shapes and shows the high degree of stylization of Japanese woodcut prints with the flatness of the brilliant colors. The cranes, lotus blossoms, and fluid branches are in today’s color palette of chocolate brown, pink, and faint gold, but you can get them in custom colors of your choice. Walter Lee Culp Associates (to the trade). Dallas Design Center, Ste. 500. 214-651-0510.

<< Explore Japan Locally
In Japanese culture, the creation of a garden is akin to an art form, expressing nature through rocks and plants placed in a design that provides a meditative place. Enjoy a feeling of tranquility as you walk among the simple beauty of the 7-acre JAPANESE GARDEN AT THE FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDENS. Meandering paths wind up slopes to reveal engaging vistas and over bridges near the soothing sound of waterfalls. Imperial carp (koi) stir the pools, which reflect the colorful foliage and evergreen shrubs. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. 817-871-7686, www.fwbg.org/japanese.htm.

Fabulous Fabrics
Clockwise from top left.

KOI, from Schumacher features a water blue background with flowing lines and lively orange koi.
WILDE CHRYSANTHEMUM, from Osborne & Little, is a large scale print featuring huge red chrysanthemum blossoms on a monochromatic background of stylized leaves and branches.
ASUKA, also from Osborne & Little, features brightly colored peony blossoms surrounded by highly stylized leaves woven in metallic thread.
KOI POND, available from Kravet, has a heavy black chenille background with large realistic koi woven in a red jacquard pattern with liberal touches of metallic gold.
KABUKI, from Osborne & Little, is a literal interpretation of a Japanese lifestyle including chopsticks and a painted bowl, a paint box with calligraphy brushes, and a fan and combs for the hair, all assembled around an Oriental vase of peonies.
OPULENT GARDEN, from Kravet, shows peony blossoms and leaves woven in red chenille on a matte metallic gold background.
 


Get Your Geisha On
Everything you need – from plants to make-up – for your new Japanese look.

ALL THINGS ASIAN
Nanami Japanese Gourmet Market
This grocery has everything from sushi ingredients and 20-pound bags of rice to Japanese magazines and movie rentals. 17721 Dallas Pkwy. 972-818-1488.

SUSHI ALERT
Kazy’s Gourmet

All the fish and wasabi you’ll need to begin your stint as a novice sushi chef. 9256 Markville Dr. 972-235-4831.

PRETTY FACE
Shu Uemura
Collection features an array of make-up and accessories celebrating pearls, which are treasured by the geisha for their natural beauty and exceptional value. Available at Neiman Marcus.

BANZAI!
Sunshine Miniature Trees
The largest bonsai nursery in North Texas, which has been serving plant enthusiasts since 1965, can provide finished bonsais or rough plants for the more adventurous green thumb. They also offer a free, open-to-the-public class on basic bonsai concepts. 7118 Greenville Ave. 214-691-0127.

FIGHT CLUB
Texas Aikikai, Martial Arts

Dallas’ top martial arts school teaches Aikido, the Japanese martial art that focuses on the dynamics of movement. It involves techniques derived from Kenjutsu and Jujitsu. 6090 Campbell Rd., Ste. 118. 214-679-7768.

JONESING FOR JASMINE
Teavana
The name of this store was developed to mean “a heaven of teas.” Here you’ll find all you need to perform the Japanese tea ceremony and all you want to know about the history of and differences between teas. Dallas Galleria. 972-788-9340. www.teavana.com.

FLOWER POWER
North Haven Gardens

North Haven Gardens holds Bonsai Society meetings and Ikebana Creations classes twice a month. 7700 Northhaven Rd. 214-363-5316. www.nhg.com.

MUST-READ
Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat: Secrets of My Mother’s Tokyo Kitchen
By Naomi Moriyama and William Doyle. Available at bookstores and Amazon.com.

GIFTS GALORE
The Crow Collection of Asian Art’s Lotus Shop
Newly designed and expanded, the Lotus Shop sells educational and Asian-inspired merchandise and gifts. It features jewelry, pottery, books, and children’s games and toys. 2010 Flora St. 214-979-6430. www.crowcollection.org.

BATHING BEAUTY
Fresh
Products inspired by the film “Memoirs of a Geisha.” Line ranges from cosmetics to bath products and includes a rice face wash, flower petal mask, and shimmer powder with crushed pearls. Available at Neiman Marcus and Sephora.

Credits

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