Table Setting #157
Chushu no Meigetsu: A Moonlit Japanese Celebration  

Chushu no Meigetsu, the Japanese Mid-Autumn Festival, is a celebration of the brightest and roundest moon of the year, falling on September 29th this year. Rooted in ancient traditions, it marks not only the midpoint of autumn but also a moment of reflection on family ties and gratitude.

At our table, we've arranged delectable autumn menus, and we've embraced the warmth of sake. Join us as we delve into the art of Chushu no Meigetsu, where every detail, from the stoneware plates to the golden moon-themed desserts, exudes refinement and grace.

Contents

• Creating a Serene Moonlit Setting
•  Autumn Adornments
• Featured Items

Key points of this table setting

1. Creating a Serene Moonlit Setting

In the enchanting celebration of Chushu no Meigetsu, the stage is set with a focus on simplicity and the essence of autumn. As the full moon takes its place in the night sky as the main guest, our table setting, while exquisitely crafted, embraces a minimalistic charm.

This Mino stoneware plate, known for its earthy allure, provides the foundation for this captivating arrangement. The rustic texture harmonizes seamlessly with the warmth of the season, creating a canvas that beckons the culinary delights of fall. To accompany these autumnal delicacies, we indulge in the comforting embrace of warm sake.

The moon-viewing-themed sweets elegantly decorate the table on a Hakuichi tray with subtle gold leaf detailing, reminiscent of the radiant moon itself.

2. Autumn Adornments

Beyond the table, our celebration extends to the room itself, where a lacquerware folding screen stands as a breathtaking masterpiece. The combination of the rabbit and the moon is a beloved motif in Japanese culture, rooted in the belief that a rabbit resides on the moon, drawing inspiration from the moon's crater shape. Depicting a Japanese autumn scene, this lacquerware folding screen allows you to experience the essence of a Japanese autumn in the comfort of your own home.

In front of the screen stands a Kutani ware home decoration featuring a vibrant design that showcases a "Kozuchi," a colorful lucky mallet, along with a lively hopping rabbit. 

Even in the smallest of details, we find enchantment. The rabbit chopstick rests, a cute and whimsical finishing touch, add to the magic of our moonlit-filled space. As we gather around this tablescape, every element, from the pampas grass to the lacquerware folding screen, tells a story of tradition, culture, and the beauty of Chushu no Meigetsu.

Chushu no Meigetsu, the festival celebrating the radiant lunar beauty, invites us to savor the charms of autumn and its abundance under the gentle moon's glow. This occasion also presents the opportunity to gather with loved ones, appreciating and enjoying all that the season has to offer. So, as you partake in your own Chushu no Meigetsu celebration, may your table be adorned with grace, your sake be warm, and your heart filled with the allure of this time-honored Japanese tradition.

Featured Items

Rabbit Motif 

The rabbit is a beloved and auspicious motif not only for tableware but also for figurines and patterns in Japan. According to folklore, these adorable creatures are seen as messengers of the moon, associated with both spring and autumn. With roots in ancient mythology, they symbolize growth, fertility, prosperity, and good fortune.