This is the April 2007 issue of Me no Me (目の眼), a Japanese magazine dedicated to antiques, traditional crafts, fine art and collecting. Known for its beautifully photographed features, Me no Me offers a fascinating window into Japanese material culture, from ceramics and folk objects to historic collections and decorative arts.
The main feature of this issue is 「節句の室礼と湖東焼 — 東近江の旧家を訪ねて」, exploring seasonal festival displays (Sekku no Shitsurai / 節句の室礼) and Kotō ware (湖東焼) through visits to historic family homes in the Higashi-Ōmi region of Shiga Prefecture. The cover presents an impressive traditional display with elaborately dressed dolls, bows and arrows, illustrating how treasured objects were arranged within the home to celebrate Japan’s seasonal observances.
The issue provides an intimate look at the relationship between traditional interiors, seasonal customs, heirloom objects and regional craftsmanship, while also introducing Kotō ware, a distinctive ceramic tradition associated with the Hikone area of Ōmi.
A smaller feature, 「雛をめぐる」, further explores Hina dolls and their surrounding traditions, making this an especially appealing reference for collectors interested in Japanese dolls, seasonal festivals and historic domestic culture.
Richly illustrated and full of period objects rarely encountered outside Japan, this vintage issue is a wonderful reference for admirers of Japanese antiques, ningyō, Hina dolls, folk traditions, ceramics and traditional craftsmanship.
Size: 15 x 21cm
144 pages
