Have you ever heard of duck netting? At the Waterfowl pond, once located within the Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo, this unique sport was a peculiar pastime, especially for members of the Imperial House of Japan and their guests. The Waterfowl pond isn’t just a body of water. It’s a glimpse into a tradition unlike any other, a blend of sport and ceremony. Imagine tame ducks being used to lure wild ducks into a canal leading from the Waterfowl pond. A screen would drop, trapping the wild ducks. As they attempted to escape, sportsmen hidden behind mounds would spring up, long-handled nets in hand. Their goal was to snare the ducks mid-flight. This wasn’t about hunting for sustenance. At the end of the contest at the Waterfowl pond, the captured ducks were released. This elegant, almost theatrical display, was orchestrated by the Grand Master of Ceremonies, highlighting the ritualistic nature of duck netting. Notable figures like Haile Selassie and even Prince Charles participated in this tradition at the Waterfowl pond, adding an international flair to the Imperial sport. This tradition reflects a unique aspect of Japanese culture, a blend of history, sport, and imperial custom played out right here at the Waterfowl pond.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to