Circa 11th century a.d., there was, a period in Japanese history where the ruling imperial culture was obsessed with the arts and aesthetic pursuits.    Personal appearance was immensely important and a high cultural value was placed on the arts and poetry.

It was considered unseemly and gauche for a member of the court to be involved in business, or labour, or food production. 

Parties were held to watch the moon rise over a pond to see the reflection in the water.

In the meantime, the military faction of this society gained control and took over.    

I am grossly oversimplifying a transitional period in Japanese history, but the point is obvious.  An appreciation of art alone will not sustain your personhood, or your household.  You can’t appreciate art without appreciating the infrastructure surrounding it.  Someone has to pay the utility bill.

Beautifully balanced and uploaded, this week’s scene in Contentment is for Cows, Chapter Five, “Oops, Wrong Box”, Scene Twelve; click here and hit the yellow ‘the latest’ button, www.contentmentisforcows.com

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The image for today’s post is from http://www.japanesesearch.com

Enjoy.