A live video of Secret Belgian Binding has been uploaded to youtube. It was filmed at the James Street Tavern Open Mic Variety Night. Unfortunately the lighting is rather low so you can’t see very much but the sound is okay, hopefully.
Archive for June, 2010
Belgian binding no longer secret
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010Is the inro about to make a comeback?
Friday, June 18th, 2010
Inro - a small lacquered container hung from the waist, generally used to hold seals or medicines
In short, no. Perhaps if people were more familiar with this 16th century Japanese version of the wallet we may be more optimistic about its resurgence.
But wouldn’t it be nice to see people wearing these handsome lacquer boxes around their necks or, in the traditional fashion, around their waists.
Where to get an inro for your summer wardrobe? Well the best place to start looking is with a collector or at a museum.
Given that these are generally historical items dating from before the 1870s, when the Japanese governement was trying to phase out traditional dress in favour of western attire, you’ll probably have to part with large sums of cash to get one. (more…)
Don’t piss on my espadrilles
Sunday, June 13th, 2010I was in the toilet of the Wetherspoons near Faringdon station, standing at one of those long trough-like urinals when it occurred to me there was a significant danger the flimsy cloth uppers of my espadrilles could easily be soaked by someone else’s splash-back. (more…)