Yuzen process

This is a video by the famous Yuzen House in Kyoto. I think next time when I do Yuzen again, I will try the Gold Leafing on my last Obi and then when I finished my new Obi, then may have to request to have it done so I can wear it in Indonesia the following year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKG13KDqKj8&feature=related
The area that I want to gold leaf is the Jizo Bosatsu.

finished another costume

This one is an Indian style classic chogan with coloured ribbons as trims around the edges of the garment. The inner panel of cloth, I designed an embroidery based on Yogyakarta's royal emblem. The headdress is from Madura of Java, so that is why I chose the overall red colour for this Indonesian batik pattern as Madura is famous for the beautiful rich red colour.

Batik Phytocrene

I finished Batik Phytocrene design today. So now it is a matter of nailing down the exact pattern in life size on a big tracing. I think 2 years from now, I will go to Bandung again to initiate the execution at Batik Komar.

new plant

Sinofranchetia chinensis is now available at UBC Botanical Garden's garden shop. The plants are from layering or cutting I think, very vigorous, and so will flower faster than the ones that I grow from seeds. I bought one plant in a gallon pot for 15 dollars. The plant is hardy to Vancouver as here we share similar weather of highland Yunnan which is the place where the plant originated.
The deciduous climber has beautiful leaves and fascicles of tiny flowers in June and then translucent purple fruits in September. I highly recommend it. I planted it against the sour cherry tree which already has a plant of Akebia quinata 'rosea' and a plant of Aristolochia macrophylla.

keris for dancing

I am holding the keris for dancing.

Queen of the South

I found on youtube the video of Queen of the South Hotel Resort in Yogyakarta's Parangritis Beach. I love this hotel and for sure will stay there next time I go to Java.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3DM5zoIgkY

Indian Costume

I just finished this painting of a chogha from late 19th Century in Jaipur City Palace Museum. The chogha is made from a delicate khaki net covered with small cream and burgundy butis, front, back and sleeves are richly embroidered with tree of life and foral motifs in subtle colours giving a regal appearance.