Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Tablescape Thursday - Vintage Japan

When I was looking at my calendar this week...I saw that Thursday is Culture Day in Japan. Now I have no idea what that is exactly...nor how it is celebrated, however, in honor of the day, I decided to repost a tablescape I set awhile back. I hope you'll enjoy!



It's almost time for Tablescape Thursday again -- it's always fun to see everyone's tabletop creations. This week I've set the table just for two. Won't you be my guest?



Welcome to this vintage (mostly) oriental table.



Of course I set a place for you....afterall, I was expecting you!



I didn't have any oriental looking napkins, so I spread these to look like a fan.



I've had these for awhile -- but I've never taken the wrapper off, I never quite got the hang of using chopsticks...how about you? Do you get more in you mouth than on your lap?



Finding a beautiful set of cups and saucers when we were clearing out my father-in-laws estate was the start of this tablescape.



The hand painting is beautiful.





Marking on the bottom of the cup -- even that's pretty....whatever it means.



I found this runner, actually probably a dresser scarf, at the little antique, vintage store that's going out of business. The handwork is gorgeous and appears quite old -- it's not in perfect condition -- the linen has some tiny holes and there is some frayed edging, but I still will enjoy it ....someone spent hours cross-stitching this.




Even the border is beautiful and seems to perfectly compliment.....



....these antique bowls I found at another antique store.






I love these delicate scenes painted on the bowls.




We can definately read the bottom of these bowls.



Our centerpiece of vintage ladies and a pretty fan that was my mother-in-laws.



Aren't the colors pretty?




Again, I think of the hours someone spent painting this lovely scene.



I found these two Japanese ladies at the same store going out of business. I don't know exactly how old they are, but I knew they would grace this tablescape well.



Loved the detail to her dress front....



....and back view.



Look at her beautiful face.



They're both holding musical instruments. I suppose with four granddaughters....perhaps at least one of them will be interested in collecting dolls.



View from across the tabletop.



Overview of the centerpiece.



Tabletop overview.





We'll say "good-night" in the soft tealight glow from my oriental tea house.

Be sure to visit Susan this week at "Between Naps on the Porch" for lots of dish inspirations.

See ya!

59 comments:

  1. Love your new tablescape, looks like a good time.Please drop by and visit my site. I'm in my first week of blogging and need some moral support. already my little angel at the top of my page is getting smaller? Denise

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  2. This is lovely, especially the candlelit pictures. Chopsticks? Well, my new grandson eats his noodles with chopsticks, doesn't miss a drop of noodle or broth. Funny, on American charts, he was "behind" with some motor skills because he couldn't hop on one foot! So said the American Doctor. Yeah, said the American Momma, but the Chinese boy can handle a pair of chopsticks like Jackie Chan handles a sword! Guess it's all in your perspective!

    The figurines and fan are perfect for your centerpiece! I would love to dine at such a beautiful table!

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  3. So cute and ethnic. Are you serving sushi? Mmmmm, yummy! I love your antique bowls!...Christine

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  4. Absolutely stunning. what did you serve with this set up? I loved it....but then...I always do....good thing you don't ask me to pick a favorite.

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  5. Hi Martha!
    You have the most wonderful things for your tables! I love this.
    Thanks so much for popping.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  6. Your oriental tablescape is just gorgeous. I LOVE your beautiful dishes. They are stunning and your oriental figures are fabulous. Such a beautiful table. Hugs, Marty

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  7. "Utsukushii" Google tells me that means "beautiful" in Japanese, very pretty setting! Love the way you carried the theme all the way through:@)

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  8. I love it! You have so many neat things that made it all come together! Love the dolls and fan centerpiece! Good job! Now I'm in the mood for some Chinese food, rice and hot tea!!

    Katherine

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  9. I think there are few things prettier than the detail in oriental art. Your pieces are beautiful, both the ones from your father in law and the ones you got at the antique store.

    I love the accents you put on the table too. I sure hope at least one granddaughter likes collecting dolls because those are beautiful.

    All of it, every detail, was a treat!

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  10. That is lovely Martha. All the pretty colors, and dolls.
    And no, I can't use chopsticks, event the ones that have the string on them to help! I do use them a lot when I cook though. Lots of uses for them!

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  11. Stunning...the table runner is beautiful.

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  12. Martha -- I am quite good at chopsticks. I went through (not still over it) Asian phase. What a lovely table you have set....the dolls are my favorite. Joni

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  13. Beautiful! Love your table :) I will be right over ... but can I have a fork?
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  14. You set a beautiful table. The figures and the painted china...so elegant and delicate. Of course I would starve, chopsticks just don't work for me!

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  15. Such a pretty table! I do love the chopsticks, and yes I can use mine, but my hubby still prefers a fork, haha! I guess it helped that my grandparents took me to a Japanese restaurant when I was little, and I learned early! Hope you are having a wonderful week.
    xo, Andrea

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  16. I love your tablescape. I also recently received a small tablecloth very similar to yours that my mom found at an antique sale. The oriental embroidered design is very similar. Mine is damaged too with small holes and stains but you have inspired me to use it anyway!

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  17. Everything was just beautiful. Loved the bowls, cups and saucers. I have several pieces of oriental dishes, left to me by a friend, I've never used any of them in a tablescape, I am unsure how it would look. Maybe after seeing your beautiful table I will put one together someday. Thanks for visiting and your kind comments. Talk later.
    Sandy

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  18. Very lovely and delicate - I especially love where the candles are lit.

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  19. Such a pretty asian inspired setting! Your japanese bowls and coffee cups are lovely. I really love, love, love the linens though! Absolutely beautiful!

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  20. How delightful that the pattern on the bowls reflects the designs on the embroidered runner! That is completely charming! My father was stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict, and he brought back some lovely treasures, too. I know you enjoyed creating a beautiful tablescape with your family pieces and found objects!

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  21. Love the geisha's.. Oh my they are beautiful. Your cups are too. I find that the old dishes are almost translucent. Your table is beautiful. Thanks for your kind words while dropping in to visit me!

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  22. I just love your Asian table! The chopsticks are such a fun touch too! Thanks for stopping by at Crafty Housewife!

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  23. Martha, what absolutely gorgeous porcelain. I love the delicacy of Japanese design.

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  24. I absolutely LOVE this. The dishes from Japan are so beautiful. I once had a Geisha Tea Party and those little ladies would have been the perfect finishing touch! It's all lovely.

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  25. This is such a pretty setting. LOVE all the pieces you've put together. Such delicate artwork.
    Debbie@houseatthelake

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  26. What a cute idea! I had never thought of using dolls in a tablescape, but I love this! I have a lot of collector dolls and may just borrow this idea someday. Isn't it cool how everything came together from that going out of business store?

    Yes, I am dating. It's been 4 1/2 months now and is better than any other relationship I have ever had. I'm thinking that I may have found the love of my life finally while in my 50s. Life is grand!

    Kady
    Life on the Edge

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  27. Wow - your bable is amazing!! So beautiful!

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  28. Your Japanese elements are lovely. The dolls are perfect for the centerpiece. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

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  29. Very pretty! I bet some of that came over from the war???? Maybe??? My dad brought me a Geisha Girl doll like that, when he was in Okinawa. I always have loved the detail that was included. Yours look very similar.

    These are all treasures! :)

    ~Liz

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  30. Love your vintage table runner and your father-in-law's cup & saucer!

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  31. Oh Martha, look at how gorgeous this is! I love those plates and bowls. GORGEOUS! Absolutely stunning - I'm green with envy really. Thanks for stopping by the blog and checking out the home office post. I'm working on my own and I think that if things work out the way I expect, I'll have some pictures to share over the beginning of next week! I hope you'll check back in with me to see them! :) Take care! xo, Artie

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  32. Beautiful, enchanting tablescape, Martha! Your post is so lovely too. I can tell you are a good person, you know why? Because of your touching thoughts in your post, mentioning that you thought of all the time it took for that person to hand-stitch the runner, and for another artist to paint the fan. Only a kind, thoughtful person would think of that and cherish the pieces. And I also know you are thoughtful because you visit my blog and leave comments! :) You don't know how much I appreciate it. You are a gem, Martha!
    Best regards,
    Gloria

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  33. Martha, you have pulled this table together from so many different places, and it looks so pretty! That table runner was a wonderful find, and the tea cups and saucers from your f-i-l are so pretty. The Oriental dolls are beautiful. No, I cannot use chop sticks, but they sure are neat to have on this table. I can't believe you even found the antique Oriental bowls. Lovely tablescape. laurie

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  34. So many interesting pieces. I'm particularly drawn to the linen.

    - The Tablescaper

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  35. Oh my goodness, those cups and saucers are gorgeous! The cross-stitch is lovely too, I cross-stitch and hopefully someone will think my work is pretty decades down the road!

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  36. Martha, your table is beautiful! Everything about it is charming. Love the little girls too. They add fun to the table.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

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  37. Martha, this is SO pretty! I love anything Japanese. The hand painting they do on china and silk is just amazing. You certainly have some great treasures here!

    Thanks for visiting my "sick" room. I AM feeling better today!

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  38. I can't believe you found all these things that so perfectly work together. I'd say you have a good eye. The result is terrific.

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  39. Hi,
    You make me so envious with your finds. How I wish I have those Asian treasure.

    I can see that these are really vintage. I just can't read what it says.

    Thanks for sharing and wish I could come.

    /chie

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  40. This is so beautiful, Martha! You never run out of ideas.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  41. Your tablescape is beautiful! The dolls you used in your centerpiece are so amazing! The china has such brilliant colors. Very nice! Susie

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  42. Beautiful post! Thank you for pointing every tiny extraordinary detail! you have lovely items! I like you have never gotten the hang of eating with chopsticks either, and I admire those that do!

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  43. Gorgeous table - love the runner and the dishes! I am sure the dolls will be treasured by the grands!

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  44. The hand painting on the cups and saucers is gorgeous! Lovely tablescape!

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  45. Hold on sister, I'll be right over with some of my world famous Cashew Chicken!!!

    What a beautifully oriental masterpiece you've created. You are a jewel sweetie.

    God bless and have a wonderful weekend sweetie!!! :o)

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  46. O, I am so glad you reposted this...I missed it the first time.
    Just STUNNING...your dishes and the dolls are out of this world. I could never use chopsticks..my grands can, tho. :))

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  47. Hi Martha,

    Your Japanese tablescape is wonderful.
    You have created such a lovely ambiance with the candlelight and yes, I would like to join you.
    Also love the elegant dolls and the gorgeous china.

    Happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  48. My beloved Aunt Ida lived in Tokyo after WWII as a major in the WAC. As little girls, she instilled in a us a true love for the beauty of Japan. Thank you for inviting us to your gorgeous table and for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay

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  49. I love your Japanese table. Nice break from pumpkins and fall! I could never get the hang of chopsticks either! Thanks for visiting!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  50. I'm not so great at using chopsticks but I'd give it a whirl if I were dining at that beautiful table! The Japanese art on the dishes are stunning! Great find on the runner/scarf, it's perfect! The Geisha girl is beautiful. Thanks for visiting with me, I've been out of town, so sorry for my delay in responding! Have a great week!

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  51. Gosh, you'd think I would know better--should have said "...the art on the dishes IS stunning", sorry lol!!

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  52. Martha, I remember this beautiful tablescape. I love that runner, and those bowls are gorgeous. Nope, I can't use chopsticks at all and won't even attempt it in public. Great table. laurie

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  53. Hello Martha~I'm b-a-c-k to makin' my visits (finally)! I just wanted to take a minute at this season of renewed hope and gratitude to personally thank you for your visits and kind words, especially with the loss of my kitty Angel. I wish I could convey to you how much your continued friendship means to me. You're always so generous to share a big part of your hearts passion through your wonderful posts. I look forward to each and every visit. I've no doubt we've got a lot more blogging fun in store for us.

    My hubby lived in Japan for a couple years and I had a gear friend from Japan so we have a affection for all things Japanese. The best time was when we had Japanese exchange students. I adore your dolls!


    Sweet Wishes,
    Sara

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  54. What beautiful. I loved the way we set the table.
    Wonderful.
    Bj

    http://amigasqueengordam.blogspot.com

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