So I have been here three weeks now and settling in fairly nicely. The house is getting unpacked, albeit more slowly than I might like. There is not an inch of hanging room left anywhere and three wardrobe boxes yet to unpack. Amazing that my much smaller Tokyo house had much better storage, isn’t it? The girls have found their way at school and both are happy – even the teenager has admitted (in front of me no less) that she is liking it here. My sweet husband is just so glad that we are all together again and brought me such joy today by surprising me with reversing the refrigerator and freezer doors so that they open the correct way. Such a small thing can make me happy, especially in these early days. And everyone said it couldn’t be done so trust him to make it happen!
The part that is taking longer is figuring out exactly how to start reinventing the Tokyo Jinja side of me – my blog, my business, my personal identity, so that I can grow but keep you all traveling with me. I’m not going to let go of the Japan side of things and if you pop over to the Shrine Sale/Antique Show Schedule, you’ll see that I have updated it. I’m timing this post so that all my devoted readers in Tokyo can wake up on Sunday morning to a fresh fall schedule. But as a shout-out to those readers – I can’t do it alone! I look forward to hearing from you about life at the sales, whether it be stories about favorite dealers, photos of finds or news on the ever-changing schedule front. You are now my eyes and ears and I am happy to spread the word. I’ve also updated the About Me page, which was long overdue.
On the shrine sale front I have to mention a few things, including what seems to be the closing of the beloved Oedo Antiques Market (more here, here and here) at the International Forum in Yurakacho at the end of 2013. Right now I don’t know if that is temporary or not and I will get back to you with the news as soon as possible. The smaller market in Yoyogi will still be taking place once a month on an irregular schedule and it is unclear to me whether all the dealers may flock there. Details in the new schedule, but let me know if you hear anything please!
Before I left Tokyo I had a few chances to visit one of the newest sales in central Tokyo, but never got around to writing about it. Mid-way along Kotto-dori a small and very decorative market has opened.
It is mostly European and American vintage goods and collectibles, but sometimes you need a fix of those. You all know how I feel about vintage luggage…
…not as hot for the antler craze, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t.
So in many ways nothing has changed. I’ll continue to be out there at the forefront of the search for the antique, the handicraft, the artistic and the artisanal. Tokyo Jinja is a state of mind no matter where my body may reside and I hope you’ll stay with me along my journey.
I miss you and since I’m not there, I have not yet dealt with the reality that you’re not there either! I will follow your journey and cheer you on anywhere in the world, though I will always wish it’s closer to me!
Once you are well and back in Tokyo we can plan a visit or a trip! xoxo J
Congrats to TOM! very impressed with his skills!
He is impressive! :-))
its not easy recreating ourselves in a new location – it takes time. be patient. it will come to you 🙂
I know. Patience isn’t always my forte…
Your post was perfect time on the Shrine sales, as my sister and I are in Tokyo this week. We had planned to get up early and hit the sale, but alas it is raining all day today here. We are hoping for better weather tomorrow.
We went to Mashiko yesterday and were overwhelmed with the pottery. Well worth the trip.
Cheers.
Leslie
I hope you make it to one! If not, be sure to stop by a few antique stores – check the Shop Talk category on the blog. I’d recommend Okura Antiques, a half day in Nishi-Ogikubo or pawing through Yamamoto Syoten.
Perfect way to start my Sunday coffee in one hand Tokyo Jinja in the other shocked about Oedo market ! ? Was hoping to stop in during November. Will check the market listing, thank you for updating the list!
There are two dates in November, the 3rd and 17th I believe, so plan accordingly!
I guess Doha Jinja doesn’t have the same ring. What a beautiful shot of your new city. It must be fun to explore a new place.
At first, I thought the opening photo in this post was a watercolor! Beautiful!! The sun must be so much stronger and more intense in that region. Looking forward, Jacqueline, to your new adventures in Doha!! We’re all ready to explore with you 🙂
xo
Loi
hi，may I ask if you would like to sell the blanc de chine you have.If yes,my email is dehua.chan@gmail.com
Hi, I’d like to share photo’s of my Mothers Bone Inlay 8 seater dinning table & set of 4 side tables, which she has just past down to me. Mum bought these from Manila, Philippines in 1975. The only other furniture I can find on the Internet the same as these, is your 2 side tables which you have in your beautiful Doha House. I would welcome any information that you know about this furniture. Thanking you, Lyn