Cherry Blossom Time / Rice Part 2
Description
The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: a. Picture of Japanese dragon. “April is cherry blossom time in Japan.” Parade in narrow street, costumed people carrying banners, floats, spectators. “Work and domestic worries are accordingly set aside and everyone indulges in the innocent enjoyment of one of nature’s greatest beauties.” Parade, bearers carrying large decorated sedan chair - crowded street from above, floats, banners, dragon, dancers. “The narrow streets do not lend themselves readily to large crowds, but who cares when ‘good nature’ reigns supreme.” Parade passing under arch, crowd, dancers, flags, banners. “To dispel the evil spirits the dragon is awarded a prominent place in the procession.” Dancers with dragon spread over them moving down street pulling float. “A ‘pull’ is sometimes necessary even in Japan.” Parade, crowd pulling large float. “The dance of the Geisha girl holds a world of meaning and significance to the Japanese.” Geisha girls dancing in street - panorama of crowds - others dancing, parade in background - crowds. [1920] b. Panoramic view of rice paddy, houses and mountains in background. “After reaching a height of 6 inches or so in the seed beds, the rice plants are pulled and the roots pruned for replanting.” Workers pulling plants. “In the meantime a neighboring field is made ready for the planting. The water buffalo is used in this work.” Water buffalo-drawn plow in field, worker wading in mud guiding it. “Harrowing -- after which the ground is flooded with an inch or two of water.” Water buffalo-drawn harrow, worker wading in mud behind. “Planting the sprouts in rows about ten inches apart.” Men and women workers setting rice plants in flooded field. “Enjoyed by everyone.” Couple sitting on floor, low table between them, eating rice with chopsticks - Japanese writing. “The End.” [1920]
Read more