Description
Book Synopsis: "With this book, you feel you can stop time and savor the rituals of life." --Maira Kalman
An immersive journey through the culture and cuisine of one Japanese town, its forest, and its watershed--where ducks are hunted by net, saké is brewed from the purest mountain water, and charcoal is fired in stone kilns--by an American writer and food stylist who spent years working alongside artisans
One night, Brooklyn-based artist and food writer Hannah Kirshner received a life-changing invitation to apprentice with a "saké evangelist" in a misty Japanese mountain village called Yamanaka. In a rapidly modernizing Japan, the region--a stronghold of the country's old-fashioned ways--was quickly becoming a destination for chefs and artisans looking to learn about the traditions that have long shaped Japanese culture. Kirshner put on a vest and tie and took her place behind the saké bar. Before long, she met a community of craftspeople, farmers, and foragers--master woodturners, hunters, a paper artist, and a man making charcoal in his nearly abandoned village on the outskirts of town. Kirshner found each craftsperson not only exhibited an extraordinary dedication to their work but their distinct expertise contributed to the fabric of the local culture. Inspired by these masters, she devoted herself to learning how they work and live.
Taking readers deep into evergreen forests, terraced rice fields, and smoke-filled workshops, Kirshner captures the centuries-old traditions still alive in Yamanaka. Water, Wood, and Wild Things invites readers to see what goes into making a fine bowl, a cup of tea, or a harvest of rice and introduces the masters who dedicate their lives to this work. Part travelogue, part meditation on the meaning of work, and full of her own beautiful drawings and recipes, Kirshner's refreshing book is an ode to a place and its people, as well as a profound examination of what it means to sustain traditions and find purpose in cultivation and craft.
Details
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and captivating cuisine of a Japanese mountain town with Water, Wood, and Wild Things: Learning Craft and Cultivation. In this mesmerizing book, Hannah Kirshner takes you on a journey through the heart of Yamanaka, a stronghold of Japan's traditional ways. Discover a world where time stands still and rituals of life are savored, as you delve into the ancient traditions of woodturning, hunting, paper artistry, and more.
Experience the magic of Yamanaka through Kirshner's vivid storytelling and stunning illustrations. Follow her as she apprentices with a "saké evangelist" and gains an insider's perspective into the brewing of saké using the purest mountain water. Explore the depths of the evergreen forests, witness the skillful art of turning wood, and be captivated by the artisans who dedicate their lives to their craft. With each turn of the page, you'll be transported to a world where tradition and craftsmanship reign supreme.
Water, Wood, and Wild Things is not just a travelogue, but a reflection on the true meaning of work and the importance of sustaining traditions. Kirshner's unique perspective as an American writer and food stylist brings a fresh appreciation for the local culture and its people. As you read, you'll be inspired to find purpose in cultivation and craft, as the masters in Yamanaka have done for generations.
Join Hannah Kirshner on this inspiring journey by grabbing your own copy of Water, Wood, and Wild Things: Learning Craft and Cultivation. Step into a world of timeless traditions and discover the beauty that lies within the intricate details of everyday life. Experience the enchantment of Yamanaka and be captivated by the artistry of its people. Order your copy today and embark on an immersive exploration of Japanese culture, craftsmanship, and culinary delights.
Order your copy of Water, Wood, and Wild Things: Learning Craft and Cultivation now and be transported to the misty mountain village of Yamanaka. Embrace the traditions that have shaped Japanese culture for centuries and find inspiration in the dedication and expertise of the masters. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey!
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