The wind made an explicit statement today: Winter is soon to be here. The freshness of the cold air feels good on the face though I already wear a scarf. After dark it feels even colder but I keep in mind that the day will start growing again in just a little over a month.
Recently, there was a coincidence which made me think about how one thing brings another even if you do not work in that direction. However, in September, I made soap which was inspired by the month of October – in Japan October is the month when people observe the moon. Not in the scientific sense of the word, of course. October is the month when the moon can be seen big and beautiful with all the shades on its surface. Observing the moon while having Japanese sweets (and some people have sake, too) is the way to celebrate it. here. A couple of weeks after I made the soap, I came across an article by Japanese publisher and author Seigo Matsuoka about the moon in Japanese culture. Among the natural things which Japanese people admire (the flowers, birds, the sea, wind, etc.) the moon is given special status. Though I still think that it is equally beautiful in other seasons, the mid-autumn full moon is the object of special admiration and celebration.
My contribution to the celebration was this soap – not food nor drink but equally satisfiable to me. The moon and the wind come together in this small thing. Again, this one contains camellia oil, and to make it a little more appropriate for the cold days of this beautiful season, I added rosehip oil and shea butter.
Cocoa powder and pink kaolin helped me again. Though I do not like using a lot of cocoa powder, sometimes it is indeed the best ingredient for “drawing” lines in soap.
The traditional Japanese sweets though do not use cocoa. As I have written before, they come in different colors and shapes, the main ingredients being bean paste (and whole beans), rice flour, some wheat flour (though it is seldom used), chestnuts, local herbs and colorants from vegetable origin.
I wish I could make soaps as beautiful and delicate as these. Sweet dreams, I know, but it is important to have dreams and stay positive. So I will keep my dreams and hope that some day I will be able to make them come true.
I wish you a warm and sunny day!
Maya
I don’t like which one I like better: your story (stories) about exotic Japan,or your mysterious soaps,inspired by that ‘rising sun’ land!?
This one makes no exception!
Hi Maja!
Japan is definitely exotic and it is difficult to show all its interesting points. The most important thing, however, is to stay positive about all new experiences 🙂
I know it must be difficult, but you’re great at both: telling us stories about Japan and making soaps with its background behind! So interesting to read and watch and so unique way for running the blog! I enjoy it with every new post!
(I don’t know what bug has bitten me, but I keep making errata, in my comment above I started the sentence with “I don’t like…” instead of “I don’t know….”. Silly, didn’t even notice until now)
I really like this touch of rosehip and discrete cocoa lines in your soap. I agree that those sweets are really nice and colorful handmade perfection but the beauty of this soap is also so inspiring…
The sweets are great, aren’t they?
I am happy the soap looks good. Simple though it is I do like it and am willing to experiment further with cocoa powder and kaolin.
What a beautiful and delicate soap. And the sweets look gorgeous.
Petra
Thank you, Petra!
I visited your blog and loved your soaps – their natural look is great!