Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tablescape Thursday...Japanese Style

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday. Please visit our lovely hostess for this event, Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, and stop by the other participants' blogs also.


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I've set an Asian-themed table this week using a Churchill Blue Willow teaset and white dishes and bowls (Gibson from Big Lots).
There is a romantic story behind the Blue Willow pattern. I'm reprinting it from the Internet:
Once there lived a very wealthy mandarin who had a daughter named Hong Shee, who fell in love with her father's secretary, a man named Chang. To keep them apart, the father imprisoned his daughter in the palace. One day she escaped & the two lovers raced over the bridge to a waiting boat. They escaped, reached the boat & sailed away. A storm developed; the boat foundered; and the couple were lost at sea. It is said that two love birds appeared immediately thereafter - the spirits of Hong Shee & Chang, and live onto this day.




This lovely lady is waiting to serve us tea...green, of course!

The Target birds are standing in for the two star-crossed lovers...


There was an article about the proper way to serve tea in our newspaper a while back. One thing that was mentioned, that I didn't know, is that you should always point the handles of the teacups to match the time that tea will be served. Since I put this tablescape together around 4:00, I've turned the handles to reflect that time.


In keeping with the bird theme of the Churchill china, I used my Lenox Chirp napkin rings.


I used several of these crystal lotus votive holders from Colonial Candle.


Would you like some miso soup?






I recently heard the Japanese term Wabi-sabi, and fell in love with the tenant that nothing is ever complete or perfect. To me, life is ever-evolving, and not always perfect, but still good just the same. You can read more about it HERE.


Colonial Candle would like to offer a discount to the readers of my blog. For $15 off an order of $60 or more, use promotional code MAMAISON15 at checkout.

24 comments:

  1. Oh I love the setting and all of your dishes are accessories are so pretty. Your geisha is stunning. Such a pretty and inviting setting. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Miss Ashley is beautiful, Tammy!

    You've set a gorgeous table! I love the geisha.

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  3. that wee little bird stole my heart!

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  4. Very pretty! And I didn't know that about the tea cup handles..
    Like the wabi -sabi, Kemosabe thing too!:)

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  5. What a pretty table you've set! The Blue Willow is perfect with your geisha girl! You've done a great job!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  6. "Ahhhh, soooo....vedy, vedy pretty!"

    ♥ your geisha & thanks for the tidbit about the cup handles. I had never heard that before.

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  7. What a lovely story and a lovely table. I did not know that about turning the handles to the time. Wonderful piece of knowledge!

    Christi

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  8. Oh how pretty and your geisha is certainly lovely!

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  9. This is such a touching story about the lovers.
    Your table is lovely,
    d

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  10. So beautiful! I love your porcelain lady ... and the tidbit about the tea cup ... I've never known that. Thanks for sharing ... Hope you'll drop by to see my angels!

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  11. I love the figurine--it is so lifelike and detailed. I also enjoyed the info on the teacup handle, but I think the chirp napkin rings are my favorite!

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  12. Lovely Asian tablescape! I never heard of putting the teacup handles to reflect the time of tea! Will have to remember that!

    DD

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  13. Your table is lovely and perfectly accessorized. I did so love the story of the lovers and I had an immediate attachment to your porcelain figurine. I hope you are having a wonderful day.

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  14. Tammy, this is a lovely table. I especially like the transfer ware teapot. Love the the thought that nothing is ever complete or perfect. Thanks for sharing this and your beautiful table. ~ Sarah

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  15. I LOVE that term, wabi-sabi!!
    Your tablescape (and story) were adorable! Very
    clever!

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  16. Great setting! I love Blue Willow and have been collecting it for years. I did not know about turning the handles to reflect the time of tea. I love learning new things!

    Thank you for sharing with us.

    ~ Tracy

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  17. Nothing being complete or perfect is a revelation of a thought. Because nothing ever is! I love your tablescape. Especially the story behind it. Your symbolism is wonderful here. And so is the information about turning the teacups!
    Brenda

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  18. THe lovely lady on the table is BEAUTIFUL!!!

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  19. I like you tablescape very much. Thanks to the link re: wabi-sabi. Very interesting and wise!

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  20. This is such a lovely table! I love the figurine of the beautiful little lady. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. Very nice and tranquil. How kind of Colonial Candles to offer a discount. I do believe I am the only person without those Target birds. I also think there is no Target in Vermont! (from just a table scape wannabee)

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  22. Tammy,

    Your table is beautiful and I loved hearing the Blue Willow story. Wonderful post!!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  23. A lovely table. I especially like the milk glass candle holders.

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