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Chiddingstone Castle celebrates Japanese crafts and culture

It is 400 years since King James I sent a telescope (a new invention at the time) to Japan, and received armour and paintings in return. The sailor, Will Adams - Kent's famous 'Blue-eyed Samurai' - was the first Englishman to ever reach Japan. In a year filled with celebrations, Chiddingstone Castle is delighted once again to host their ever popular annual Japanese Day. On Sunday 7 July 2013 between 11am and 4pm visitors can take part in the Castle's celebration of Japanese crafts and culture, which links to the remarkable collection of Japanese artefacts exhibited at the Castle that were collected by its late owner, the antiquarian Denys Eyre Bower.

Throughout the day everyone can enjoy fascinating demonstrations of Kyudo (Japanese archery); Tameshigiri and Iai (Japanese sword arts); Shodo (calligraphy) and Cha Do (the art of Japanese Tea Ceremony). There will also be beautiful Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) to admire and Shakuhachi and Shinobue (Japanese flute playing) to listen to in the Great Hall, played by specialists dressed in Kimono. Taiko drumming and the care of Bonsai will also be demonstrated outdoors.

Specially for this year, the Castle will also have on display an ancient Shogi board (Japanese chess board) which has been generously loaned to the Collection (until 4th September) by the Horniman Museum - this to be accompanied by a talk on the skillful game of Shogi.

In the Board Room, the Japanese Garden Society will be displaying a temporary exhibition entitled "Visions of Paradise: Japanese Gardens in the UK". This exhibition will run from 5th May until 11th July, and special talks on the subject are anticipated.

As ever, within the Castle visitors can enjoy Denys Bower's incredible collection of Samurai armour and swords, and the Japanese lacquer collection that has featured recently on the BBC in episodes of Flog It!, Bargain Hunt and Inside Out.

Children can also learn about Japanese culture and traditions while enjoying craft activities, such as Origami and kite-making.

As well as the Japanese activities, visitors can browse all the unusual and interesting collections of the late Denys Eyre Bower, which include antique collections from Japan and Ancient Egypt. As a practicing Buddhist, Denys Bower also amassed a collection of Buddhist artefacts. His Stuart collection features paintings of the Stuart monarchs and items and memorabilia of the Jacobite cause, and there are many artefacts that also link to the life and times of James I.

The peaceful grounds surrounding the Castle are home to a peaceful lake, woodland, rose garden and award winning Grade II* Orangery.

All these activities and demonstrations are available FREE OF CHARGE to visitors paying for admission to the Castle and Grounds. The Victorian Tea Room will be open with a choice of delicious cakes and cream teas, as will the Shop, filled with local produce, plants, crafts, gifts, Japanese woodcut prints, books etc.

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Chiddingstone, Kent

Set in 35 acres of grounds including a lake open to fishermen, a rose garden and a woodland the Chiddingstone Castle is an ideal place to visit. It includes ...

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