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When I, as a child, first saw a tree caged in a pyramid-shaped structure made of ropes, I thought they were for Christmas decorations.  Later I learned that it was a horticultural technique called yukitsuri (meaning "snow hanging") to protect tree branches from the weight of wet, heavy snow.  The idea must have been invented out of necessity but it is simply a unique form of art by itself, especially to someone like me who grew up in a place where snow was rare.

Recently when I visited a morning market in the town of Takayama, I saw yukitsuri already set up on top of the pine trees surrounding a small market square, ready for long, snowy winter months.  Sitting inside each tent were mostly middle to old-aged farmers' wives, selling pickled vegetables and other home-made products they said they had just made that morning.  They come here to sell every morning at 7 and I wondered just how early these women had to get up every day.

The sun was shining and snow that had fallen the night before sparkled everywhere.  "Takayama V" is a view from the Nakabashi Bridge over the Miyagawa River, the same bridge that I painted in "Takayama I."

Takayama, Gifu, Japan V

Takayama, Gifu, Japan IV

Click here for an enlarged image.

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 inches (21 x 29 cm)
Mat/Frame: No
Purchase: Sold

Takayama, Gifu, Japan V

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 inches (21 x 29 cm)
Mat/Frame: No
Purchase: Sold