2014 INCC Convention
2014 INCC Convention Report
The 2014 INCC Convention kicked off with Dick Bittner introducing first time attendees.
1st Time Attendees
We were then transport-ed, via video, to The Land of The Rising Sun for an enchanting tour of Japan. We visited cities and gar-dens; temples and moun-tains. A very inviting tour it was!
Ikebana Flower Arranging
Then we were treated to Haruyo Nakamura's display of Ikebana or Japanese flower arranging. Her training and talent became quite evident as one watched her assemblage of numerous compositions. She combined a variety of colored blooms, as well as local twigs and vegetation from nearby, to form her graceful creations for vases of different shapes and sizes.
Hospitality
Time for lunch with Japanese snacks in the Hospitality Room, where a good time was had by all!
Emiko-History of Japanese Porcelain
With stomachs full, we were ready to be entertained by Emiko Takeuchi's delightful presentation of History of Japanese Porcelain.
Silk & Old Noritake
Next was Tomo Takeuchi and his program, based on his new book: Silk and Old Noritake. Very much history was made available to absorb from both Emiko and Tomo.
Calligraphy with a Master Calligrapher
The final item on Thursday's agenda featured Master Calligrapher, Masahiko Koyama. The attendees were divided into separate groups. Mr. Koyama was assisted by our very capable Japanese contingent, including Yoko Koyama, Haruyo Nakamura, Hisashi Nakamura, Emiko Takeuchi, Ayane Takeuchi, Daiki Takeuchi, and, yes, even Tomo Takeuchi. We were each in turn shown how to write our name in Japanese.
Then, having been given our own rice paper, we (tried) to recreate our name as instructed. Mr. Koyama was very generous with his talent throughout the convention. He created appropriate calligraphy to accompany Ms. Nakamura's lovely arrangements. He also did calligraphy during the Manager's Reception for those fortunate to be in his presence.
Banquet
The Saturday Banquet was the final "official" event of the 2014 INCC Convention.
