Exhibit Displays Ceramics and Virtual Japanese Cuisine

June 6, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. exhibit / ɪgˈzɪb ɪt / (n.) – an object or a collection of objects that is shown publicly
Example: The art exhibit was full of Leonardo da Vinci’s works.

2. cuisine / kwɪˈzin / (n.) – a particular way or style of cooking
Example: Rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine.

3. connoisseur /ˌkɒn əˈsɜr / (n.) – a person who has the competence and expertise in a specific subject (e.g. art, food)
Example: Jill’s grandfather is a famous wine connoisseur.

4. ceramics / səˈræm ɪks / (n.) – the art of creating things made of clay
Example: The store sells unique ceramics like pots and vases.

5. virtual / vɚtʃəwəl / (adj.) – taking place in or appearing on the computer and not in real life
Example: The projected displays of virtual food look realistic.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
An art exhibit called L’Art de Rosanjin [lart de ro-SUH N-jin] presents authentic Japanese cuisine and ceramics in a creative and innovative manner—through a digital interactive format.

L’Art de Rosanjin was first held at Paris’s Guimet [GEE-meh] Musuem in 2013. After Paris, the exhibit was brought to Nihonbashi’s Coredo Muromachi in Tokyo, Japan, and ran from March 6 to 24. It showcased both Japanese cuisine and the life and works of Kitaoji Rosanjin, a well-known connoisseur from the 1930s throughout the 1950s. He was also an artist, a sculptor, and a calligrapher.  

For the price of ¥1,000, people were able to see the famous quotes from Rosanjin himself, as well as ceramics that include plates and bowls. The exhibit also had a virtual counter where one can learn about Japanese hospitality. The virtual counter specifically shows how Nihonbashi’s tempura eateries serve their customers.

On the counter are empty plates and bowls where virtual food appears and then disappears shortly. The counter also displayed a chef cooking and preparing a meal, matched with the crackling sound of oil in the pan to make the setup more realistic.

Unlike the exhibit in Guimet Museum, the one in Tokyo served real food from the restaurants frequently visited by Rosanjin—Kyubey and Fukudaya.

L’Art De Rosanjin aimed to honor and bring to life Rosanjin’s artistic vision. Rosanjin believed that there is a significant relationship between food and ceramics. He also promoted the importance of natural flavors, simplicity, and the value of using carefully chosen tableware.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A 

·         Would you be willing to pay ¥1,000 to see the L’Art de Rosanjin? Why or why not?
·         Do you agree that food and ceramics have a significant relationship? Why is that so?

Discussion B

·         What do you think is the importance of celebrating the life and works of former artists?
·         Aside from exhibits, how else can we celebrate the life of a famous person?

June 6, 2015