On The First Day of Fun I present... a stunning kanzashi! Welcome once again one and all to The Twelve Days of Fun! This year we're starting off with a piece that has a long history behind it, so be sure to read on!
Image is courtesy of My Kyoto Photo.
Motif(s): Treasure Ship
Belongs To: Kaden (花傳) Okiya
Occasion: Sakkō
Unlike most special occasion kanzashi, this one is made up of small silk squares that use the Tsumami (つまみ - Pinching) technique rather than foil wires. Because of this, it achieves a much richer and more diverse color palette to render its subject; in this case, a Treasure Ship (宝船).
These ships, known as Takarabune in Japanese, are said to contain the treasures of The Shichifukujin (七福神), The Seven Lucky Gods. Since those treasures are usually quite small to render (such as scrolls), the artist here decided to add the Shōchikubai (松竹梅 - Pine Bamboo Plum) trio, known as The Three Friends of Winter, in their stead. Shōchikubai are an auspicious trio of plants that represent endurance, growth, and new beginnings in the face of adversity. There is a crane, a symbol of longevity and fidelity, added to the boat as well.
This piece was owned by the Kaden okiya for many years and at least four of their maiko wore it for their sakkō period: Kosen (小扇), Komomo (小桃), Koume (小梅), and Koaki (小晶). In the picture above it is being worn by Koume ^^
A large ivory okimono of the takarabune (treasure ship), Japan, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century
The merry Shichifukujin (Seven Gods of Good Fortune), seated, playing musical instruments, dancing or standing with their respective attributes on the open deck of an elaborate sailing ship, the single pole mast holding two large windblown sails partially pierced and carved in low relief respectively with a ho-o (phoenix) and a paulownia, a few scrolls, empty gourds and baskets lying strewn on the balustrade deck, the hull of simulated wood planks with a cockerel figurehead, some details inlaid with coral and hardstones; unsigned. 66cm x 70cm
Ancient Shipwreck Found in France’s Rhône River Reveals Hundreds of Roman Coins
An ancient shipwreck uncovered in the Rhône River in France has yielded 847 Roman coins, a discovery researchers are calling one of the most remarkable in recent decades.
The find was made near the Trinquetaille district of Arles during an excavation led by the Musée Départemental de l’Arles Antique in partnership with CNRS, Inrap, Drassm, the Musée National de la Marine, and the private firm Ipso Facto.
About 15 specialists, including archaeologists, ceramologists, restorers, surveyors, and photographers, took part in the mission. The team was led by underwater archaeologist David Djaoui, who has directed previous excavations in the Rhône.
Work continued under difficult conditions
The work took place in strong currents and near-zero visibility. Despite those challenges, divers identified the remains of a ship measuring about 20 meters (65 feet) long. Directly above the hull, they located a numismatic treasure.
The coins were recovered in stages. In mid-September, divers first brought up 60 pieces. Days later, they found another 80. The breakthrough came when they uncovered a compact cluster of more than 600 coins. In total, 847 coins were retrieved.
Coins date to the Roman Empire
Most of the collection dates to the third century AD. Among the pieces is a rare sestertius of Emperor Trajan, minted in 116 AD. Many coins remain in strikingly good condition due to anaerobic river sediments that protected them from corrosion for nearly 2,000 years.
Researchers suggest accidental loss
Researchers believe the coins were accidentally lost from a boat, possibly during a wreck or mishap on the river. No container has been found.
Djaoui explained that they would love to find the vessel of these coins, probably a treasure chest like the ones in films. He acknowledged the chances are slim but added that the Rhône continues to reveal extraordinary finds.
Coins to undergo study and display
All of the coins will undergo detailed analysis by a numismatist, who will establish their chronology, imperial portraits, mints of origin, and values. After restoration, they are expected to go on public display at the Musée Départemental de l’Arles Antique within one to two years.
The Rhône has already produced major archaeological discoveries. In 2004, excavations uncovered a Roman barge. Three years later, a bust of Caesar was recovered, followed by another group of coins in 2018.
River seen as key to ancient Arelate
Researchers say the river was central to ancient Arelate, a Roman colony that served as both a commercial hub and a military supply center. They believe many more artifacts remain hidden beneath its waters. Djaoui said that the Rhône in Arles will continue to yield discoveries for centuries, even millennia.
On 18th December 1661, the ‘Elizabeth of Burntisland’ sank while returning 85 barrels of historic records to Scotland, after Oliver Cromwell removed them from Stirling Castle.
Among the state documents that went down with the Elizabeth were charters and records dating back to the reigns of King Robert the Bruce and his son King David II.
But why were these important historic documents being shipped north from London in a storm? To answer that question we must go back to 1650 and Oliver Cromwell’s military campaign into Scotland.
In 1650, Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army entered Scotland after the Scottish parliament, led by Covenanters, declared Charles II king. The defending forces were no match for Cromwell’s army of well-trained and well-provisioned professional soldiers. The Scots suffered severe losses as the city and castle of Edinburgh fell.
The Records of Scotland were held in a special register house in Edinburgh. After its capture the state and legal papers were allowed to be moved to Stirling Castle for safekeeping.
The precious archive, however, was not safe for long. In August 1651, Cromwell’s military commander, General Monck, laid siege to Stirling Castle. Monck set up artillery around the castle, including in a nearby churchyard, “whence for three days a fire was kept up causing considerable damage to the Castle.” When the Castle fell, Cromwell’s forces, carried off their ‘spoils of war.’ These included not only the Earl of Mar’s coronet and robes but also the national records.
The records were sent to the Tower of London, Cromwell may have wanted to have all records of his new ‘commonwealth’ in one archive, or he may have wished to demonstrate his power over a subjugated nation. Either way, it became very difficult to bring any legal cases in Scotland with the records in England.
After the restoration of Charles II in 1660, arrangements were made for the records to be returned to Edinburgh. However, a series of ill thought out decisions were to lead to their destruction.
Firstly, the ship carrying the records was due to sail during a period of particularly stormy weather. Secondly, it was well known that the Elizabeth of Burntisland was not the most seaworthy of vessels. Her Captain was reluctant to take the precious cargo. Ultimately, the Elizabeth was loaded with two tonnes of papers stored in 85 barrels.
The Captain’s apprehension was justified when the ship began to take on water off Northumbria. She sank, taking with her barrels of Scottish Royal charters and legal documents, documents whose loss leaves a hole in Scottish archives to this day.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
Summary:
They both don't know how to draw the line but they indeed cross it all the time. Friends to exes to friends with benefits isn't exactly what they thought they'll ever be, but here they are looking at the blurry lines. The question is why? Why fuck your ex? Why stay friends with your ex? Why do Jihoon and Junkyu still crave each other's bodies? Is it lust and familiarity? Or is it the unspent love that they both don't know how to let go of?
"Ah... fuck me," Junkyu moaned into the pillow, trying to keep quiet, his hands searching for something to hold on to other than the gray bedsheet.
"I am fucking you already honey," Jihoon smugly said, concentrating on hitting the spot that got Junkyu's melting, hands imprinting on Junkyu's waist. Junkyu made the mistake to look back at the man, beads of sweat adoring his scrunched-up face, eyes closed, biting his lips to stop himself from moaning out Junkyu's name. If Jihoon is not fucking him right now, he'll surely send death stares to the man for calling him honey. But right now, Jihoon looks sexier than ever.
Fuck him, Junkyu thought. No, fuck me for still fucking my ex, he corrected himself.
Jihoon noticed Junkyu becoming quiet. He stopped his movements and pulled out.
"What the fuck? I am close," Junkyu whined. Jihoon just chuckles and helped Junkyu switch positions. He can now see Junkyu's entirety from his annoyed face, to his lean body. He takes his time to caress Junkyu's body, worshipping it almost. He'll surely love studying Anatomy if he can use Junkyu's body as a reference.
"Jihoon..." Junkyu warned him and he knows what his name implies.
"What?" he finally looked at the eyes of his ex-lover with a grin, before leaning into the man. Softly touching his scrunched eyebrows, straightening them, "You'll get wrinkles early." Jihoon's hot breath sent shivers to the man trapped between his arms.
Junkyu watched Jihoon's eyes go back and forth from his eyes to his lips. "No kissing," he reminded. Jihoon smirked upon hearing the rule Junkyu demanded when they both started this arrangement. "No problem. More time for fucking." He then retrieved himself, putting Junkyu's long legs on his thighs before positioning himself.
He inserted himself again, slowly, in and out. He loves this pace, this excruciating, slow pace. He loves feeling everything Junkyu has to offer. He loves hearing Junkyu's little whines. He loves it when Junkyu begins to beg to make it faster and harder. He loves when the man below him, starts searching for his hands to hold or when he cages Jihoon's body with his legs to feel him closer and deeper. He loves making Junkyu a moaning mess despite the latter's effort to be quiet.
Ah, fuck, Jihoon thought. We are just fucking, he reminded himself, looking at the connection between him and Junkyu.
"Jihoon..." Junkyu called out his name, warning him again. Jihoon knows what his name implies but this one is different.
Junkyu's breathing becomes labored, and his heart beats faster. The warmth spread across his pelvis. He's close and Jihoon knows that. He holds Junkyu's waist, thumb caressing the sensitive part he's so familiar with. Junkyu never failed to notice the action like how it never failed to bring him closer to cumming. He was so familiar with Jihoon during sex, or anytime really, but during sex, Jihoon seldomly looked him in the eyes. He wonders why.
Jihoon's concentration got disrupted when he felt Junkyu clenched around him. He inhaled, wanting to stay longer, knowing deeply it was inevitable. Junkyu pulled him closer, trapping him, "Deeper," Junkyu moaned out. Now he can only do short but hard thrusts, hitting the spot he's familiar with.
"I'm cumming," Junkyu absentmindedly searched for his hands that are already holding his waist, holding like his life depended on it. Spilling his seeds on Jihoon's stomach, he unwraps his trembling legs around Jihoon's body.
After lust, here comes the feeling of familiarity, Jihoon thought. Junkyu's so familiar with his hands that he fills the spaces between them even with his eyes closed. This moment when Junkyu still bathes in the aftermath of his orgasm, eyes closed, legs trembling, regaining his normal heart rate was the only time Jihoon can shamelessly stare at his ex-lover. This, right here, is what makes him undone. His thrust slowed down with Junkyu clenching around him more. He once again bit his lower lip, feeling his own orgasm.
10... 9... 8... 7...
Jihoon counted.
6... 5... 4... 3... 2...
Junkyu let go of his hands exactly 10 seconds after his release. He pulled out himself, plopping beside Junkyu who is now standing up from the bed and walking to the bathroom to clean himself.
Routine. It's routine after the lust and familiarity.
Jihoon takes his time to regain himself, he stares at the ceiling waiting for Junkyu to hand him a clean wet towel he got from his bathroom. It's a routine. Junkyu would clean them up and Jihoon stays in bed. At first, Junkyu didn't agree with it but Jihoon countered that he almost does all the work and Junkyu cannot argue with that so that's the birth of their routine.
4 minutes...
Jihoon looked at the wall clock he got exactly just for the purpose of counting how many minutes would it take for Junkyu to finish dressing up before he'll leave again.
4 minutes... of silence, of the clock ticking, of the clothes being worn, of his heart coming back to its normal rhythm.
4 minutes... is all Jihoon has to ask the man to stay.
Stay. 4 letters. If Jihoon says it now, it will not even take 4 seconds so why does it take 4 months for him to finally utter those 4 letters?
"Stay."
Junkyu, midway through zipping his pants, looked back at his ex, "Tell me I heard it wrong," in disbelief that Jihoon is asking him to stay.
"Stay Junkyu," Jihoon repeated, more certain of what he meant.
Junkyu shook his head, picking up his shirt from the floor, a little laugh escaping him. "Why would I do that?" he questioned the man that is now sitting on the bed.
"Because I did great."
"So? I let you use me," Junkyu said stepping towards Jihoon.
"As if you don't use me," Jihoon scoffed, rolling his eyes at his ex. Junkyu stopped walking towards him.
"Oh please, Jihoon. You are the one who is asking me a favor now. Don't be such a brat."
Jihoon sighs, defeated, "I deserve cuddles!" Junkyu started walking again towards the bed.
"Cuddles are for lovers," Junkyu argued, lifting his eyebrow with a little smirk.
"So? We did it before when we were still just friends."
"Jihoon..." Junkyu sighs, stopping at the end of the bed.
It's his name. It's just his name. But why does it has different meanings when Junkyu calls out his name?
Picking up the comforter, Junkyu throws it at Jihoon's naked body, covering him up. Why? He also asks himself the same question. Is Junkyu concerned with him? Is he distracting Junkyu with his body? Will he win this time if he argues with Junkyu butt-naked? Or Junkyu noticed his little shivers?
Mixed signals. Junkyu is so hard to read. His words and actions contradict each other, leaving him standing in front of the blurry lines. But he's willing to do anything to make him stay.
He immediately hold Junkyu's hand before the man turned away from him.
"Please stay," Jihoon whispered, looking him in the eyes.
Stay. 4 letters. A simple command. It simply means to wait. To be patient. But why does he find it hard to understand its meaning? Ah, Junkyu thought to himself, remembering the last time he heard it. The word simply lost its meaning when Jihoon asked him to stay friends with him after they broke up. Because why does he stay friends with his ex? Then stay become a different word when they agreed to be friends with benefits cause deep down he knows stay would not simply mean to wait or to be patient, it's not a command anymore. So he kept drawing these lines that Jihoon loves to erase with his actions. Then he is left with one question, why?
Why?, Junkyu wanted to asked Jihoon. But he can't and he will not.
Jihoon's so familiar with his heart that he knows how to capture it with no problem at all. He breathed deeply, feeling the warmth that is different from what he felt earlier. His heart beat faster this time, knowing it was for a different reason.
Fuck, Junkyu thought, as he once again, with no problem at all, fills the space in Jihoon's bed. Willing to occupy it even in the meantime.
Sooner or later, he knew he needed to learn not to give in, not to occupy the same space, not to cross the line he always drew, and most especially not to stay.
Hi there! Ship with Treasure, please? I'm a 5'3 Gemini INFP girl who's slightly chubby with tan skin, black wavy hair, and glasses. I may come off as slightly haughty, but I'm generally a talkative and curious person who loves discussion. It's also very easy for me to cry, either because of a movie or when I'm mad or overwhelmed. I'm not good with tangible gifts to show how much I love someone, so I show it through words or actions. I'm also a worrywart and it messes with my stomach often. Some of the things I'm passionate about include visual novels, writing, singing, psychology, and just talking to others in general. I love rabbits, pastel colors, and pop/folk/acoustic music. In my friend group, I tend to be the more chatty and dreamy one. In relationships, two things I prize highly would be honesty and communication. My ideal date is stargazing, and I usually end up falling for people whom I deem worthy enough to be my "rock". Thank you so much!
Hey there!
I ship you with Yoon Jaehyuk!
First thing first, the talkative personality you brought in will match with Jaehyuk's. He's not that talkative but he isn't the quiet type either. So I think he match your personality well.
You love to stargaze? You're lucky then! Your date type with him will be laying there, on the grass, starring at those beautiful night sky! Oh and also, he likes to feed you. Like always.
And I'm very sorry for the late response. Got caught up in a job! But I hope you like this!
