A Bale of Rice
Comments: 9
There’s something very satisfying about rice being transported in its own straw. Needless to say it doesn’t happen anymore — that particular circle has been broken — but it did once, and here’s the proof.
I wonder if rice produces just enough straw per bushel to carry itself, or whether more straw is needed or there’s straw left over … perhaps enough for a pair or two of next spring’s sandals?
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Posted to Photographs • 2003.12.17 (Wed) • 11:14
Comments
Posted by sox 2003.12.17, 15:28
That photo brings me back. I remember seeing these bales (called rice ‘gama’) when I was growing up in Korea. They were somewhat different looking in Korea. They were much larger than depicted in the picture, and also they were more rectangular in shape. And I remember my dad’s story that, in the olden days, men used to boast about their strength by demonstrating how many bales they can carry on their backs.
Posted by Robert Daeley 2003.12.17, 15:37
Jeremy — have you thought of making a selection of your photographs with descriptions and publishing a book?
Posted by James 2003.12.17, 19:25
I assume there was usually an abundance of the straw left over, as rice straw paper has been quite common in China and Japan since ancient times.
Posted by David 2003.12.17, 19:37
The reason why I visit your blog is tow-fold:
Partly because of your clean, sharp and well composed photos but lately more and more because your photos and articles give me an insight to a culture which I know very little about but find very interesting.
I think I should do something similar and focus on the characteristics of Scandinavian, Czech or Brazilian cultures; all of which I am familiar with.
I guess I have started already; there is a recipe for Swedish Meatballs on my blog :-)
Keep them coming!
Posted by beth 2003.12.18, 01:59
what a beautiful photo - i’ve never seen rice neatly tied up in its own straw before! and it does seem quite satisfying that nothing goes to waste, but instead has a purpose.
Posted by Keith Fox 2003.12.18, 08:41
Yes Jeremy, I agree with Robert Daeley. I think it would be fantastic if you published a book of your photos. Your photos as well as your commentary are enlightening. Put me down for a pre-order!
I visit your site each day and look forward to each post. I have found some neat things you have recommended, such as the 20th Century Voyage screen saver.
Anyway, keep up the good work.
Posted by s naka 2003.12.18, 13:46
a bale=tawara komedawara=for rice sumidawara=for charcoal dohyou(tuchi dawara, in kanji)=for Sumo (ref, a sandbag=donou)
some surplus straw always left over for, yes, sandals(waraji, zouri) , warabuki/warabukiyane(thatched roof), etc.
I love your site.
Posted by David 2003.12.19, 07:48
Doesn’t it seem rather unclean to transport rice in reeds? Personally, it seems that the rice is quite succeptible to blight, rot, and other things that might seep in …
It would be interesting to know when people decided to switch from reeds (like in the photo) to crates or sterile containers — surely this was back in the 18th century, perhaps?
Posted by rice 2004.01.18, 11:19
what a beautiful photo!
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