Miyajima, one of the most beautiful spots in the world, postcard mailed in 1904 from Japan to the United States
“Miyajima, one of the most beautiful spots in Japan.”
Dec. 27, 1904.
Saw this today. Health fine. Mosser. “A Happy New Year’
Miyajima is an ancient Shinto temple on the island of Itsukushima, Japan in the Hiroshima prefecture.
Founded centuries ago, Miyajima is a timeless illustration of the human interaction with nature and the spirit and especially of the Japanese aesthetic, that continues to today.
Set in the Seto inland sea, Miyajima appears as a floating temple, colorful, elegant and as delicate in form as though painted Kanji with a soft brush with black ink.
Miyajima is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, which states,
“The shrine plays on the contrasts in colour and form between mountains and sea and illustrates the Japanese concept of scenic beauty, which combines nature and human creativity.”
To imagine who built it, how they even conceived and constructed the temple ignites a curiosity and appreciation.
This old postcard, found in a dusty bin, is another reminder why cultural heritage must be protected to ensure that future generations of dreamers, creators, leaders know, realize and acknowledge these extraordinary human accomplishments.
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Nice find Keri. The origin and dispersion of the tori gate is an interesting one.
Thank you!
When I look at the gate, it reminds me of the delicate Japanese calligraphy writing.
Why is the origin and dispersion of the tori gate – interesting? Are you able to share more?
The northern gate at Sanchi ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanchi ) might be a good starting point – we’ll try and write more as soon as possible…
Beautiful!
Let me know when you write more. I would love to learn and, of course, share.
Have a good weekend!
You too, and all your readers…
Thank you!