This past week marked two very divergent anniversaries — the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and the 100th year marking the gift of more than 3,000 cherry trees to our nation’s capital from Japan.
In light of the number of many more major disasters since that fateful April day in 1912 when the Titanic went down, it is remarkable that our fascination with this event has never waned. In fact, a 3-D version of the film “Titanic” was just released, although my favorite movie of the event is still the superb black-and-white British version “A Night to Remember.”
Perhaps the reason for our endless interest in this long-ago disaster, is that the lesson it clearly teaches is that even the very wealthy and powerful can never presume to be completely safe.
On the opposite side of what fascinates us, this year Washington has gone all out to celebrate one of the most lasting gifts, appreciated every year by so many, the fabulous cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington, D.C. Originally, 3,020 were sent, most of which were planted around the Tidal Basin, and 4,000 more were accepted by Lady Bird Johnson in 1965.
I just returned from Washington, where I enjoyed a few days of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Daughter Marianne met me there, and although many of the blossoms had already peaked due to our unusually warm weather, there were still enough remaining to delight and lift the heart.
We visited the new Martin Luther King Memorial, where I felt the many quotations of his remarks on the walls behind the memorial, were more inspiring than the rather stern-looking statue itself.
By mistake, we went to the National Portrait Gallery while looking for the National Gallery of Art, but, in addition to portraits of all the past presidents, enjoyed the exhibit, “The Black List”; up-ending the usual meaning of “a list of persons who are disapproved of” into a roll call of distinction with remarkable life-like photographs of 50 highly accomplished African-Americans.
The following day, we finally did find the National Gallery of Art. The exhibit here, which runs only until April 29, offers a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to view 30 of the most breathtakingly beautiful silk scrolls imaginable. These Japanese “Bird and Flower Paintings” by the 18th-century master Ito Jakuchu are one of Japan’s most renowned cultural treasures.
Originally painted for a Kyoto temple, they have resided for many years in the Imperial household, shown only once in Japan and never before outside the country. These paintings of nature teem withlife and indeed seem lit from within, each delicate leaf and feather almost glowing and the flowers and fish seem three-dimensional.
The next day was a business day for Marianne, so after a leisurely breakfast, I went to the Sackler, where the wood-block series, “36 Views of Mt. Fuji” was displayed. I had previously seen many of these at the Fine Arts in Boston, but it was still wonderful.
Alexandria resembles some of our beautiful shoreline towns with its historic plaqued houses, cobblestone streets and picturesque waterfront. It was delightful to have a chance to see this lovely town, but even more, to enjoy the special company of friends of almost 60 years.
We are so fortunate here in Connecticut to live within easy visiting distance to several culturally rich and interesting cities — New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington. We should all try to take advantage of what they offer. Plan a trip soon.You’ll be glad you did.
