4Seasons

* Title adapted from poem by Haiku poet, Basho (1644 - 1694). The transliterated original on the right side.

“The summers grasses

All that remains

Of brave soldiers dreams”

I was very touched and affected by this famous poem by Basho. No matter what we have achieved and accumulated in this life; no matter how famous we become, in the end, we lose it all; only the summer grasses prevail.

This was especially true during the troubled times in Japanese history where there was so much warfare. In the end the castles fall, armies fade away, but the grasses remain. This is very poignant in the training of the sword arts where life and death is determined in a split second after the blade is drawn. It shows me how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away. The study of any martial arts is to preserve and protect life; not to harm it.




			All That Remains Are Summer Grasses*, 2007 Ceramic sculpture: Stoneware clay - Raku natural bamboo handles, waxed linen cord Collection of 4 vases (winter, spring, summer, fall) 22”H x 30”W x 12”D


		* Title adapted from poem by Haiku poet, Basho (1644 - 1694). The transliterated original on the right side. “The summers grasses All that remains Of brave soldiers dreams” I was very touched and affected by this famous poem by Basho. No matter what we have achieved and accumulated in this life; no matter how famous we become, in the end, we lose it all; only the summer grasses prevail. This was especially true during the troubled times in Japanese history where there was so much warfare. In the end the castles fall, armies fade away, but the grasses remain. This is very poignant in the training of the sword arts where life and death is determined in a split second after the blade is drawn. It shows me how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away. The study of any martial arts is to preserve and protect life; not to harm it.