If a specific thread could be created, I would like to start exploring one of my favorite things in Japan, art. Specifically the 18th Century naturalist painters of Kyoto.

If you have every looked at the beautiful fusuma sliding doors found in many Japanese homes (the traditional ones) you will see how the fusuma sliding doors have been decorated with naturalist scenes. Nowadays, these doors are covered in store bought paper decorated with scenes. Nevertheless, the pleasantness of a Spartan Japanese room is very relaxing. This type of room give the feeling of being able to do more with less. The smell of a
fresh tatami mats. The wooden framed walls. The view into the garden. A hot cup of green tea. It just drains the stress from my body.

One of my favorite paintings is Peacock and Pine tree by Maruyama Okyo (1733-1795). His bird and flower paintings are stunning. He later founded the Maruyama-Shijo school of Naturalist painters in Kyoto.