Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101
Open Wednesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm

Tokonoma / Netsuke

Erika Wilk

A special room
the Tokonoma
escape to it
when the inner body
needs to be still

where burning incense
clouds ones trouble
a vase holding a single bloom
the small statue of Buddha
brings calm to a searching mind

curved and gnarled
the single wooden pillar
on one corner
thoughtfully chosen for its beauty
gives assurance of strength

kneel on those tatami mats
close your eyes
be tranquil
all is well
in this small room

Constance Griesmer

Japanese Belt Ornaments

the whole
and each part
seen together, marry
necessity and art