In Yuzhou’s bustling market at dawn, the sounds of trade reveal much about the people—tired sellers, the sick, and daily struggles. Reflecting on his father’s wisdom, the narrator finds meaning in observing life, where health and conversation intertwine. The market serves as a hub of remedies, gossip, and shared experiences.
“The sweetness of life is found in the heart, like the love of Khosrow for Shirin.” –Rumi Hey all. For this Women’s History Month, let me introduce you to Shirin, 6th century Queen of Persia. She is one of the most beloved figures in Persian literature and art. Her story, woven into the romantic and…
Hey, all! Today I want to introduce you to an amazing woman from Heian-era Japan (794–1185), Murasaki Shikibu. She was a lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court. She lived during a time when the Japanese imperial court was at its peak. The Fujiwara clan was running the show, and life was full of poetry, art, and…
Ah, letter writing! It was a whole different game in 15th-century Bruges. No email, no texting—just quills, parchment, and a bit of wax. For people like Jehanne Bening and her friend Cornelia Cnoop, sending a letter wasn’t just about sharing news. It was a bit of an art form. Every seal and fold reflected purpose…
Every now and then, someone asks me: “With everything happening in the world, why are you so focused on the details of 15th-century Bruges?” Fair question. The short answer? Because I have to. The longer answer? Well, I think about that all the time. It’s exhausting, overwhelming, and frankly, not something I can personally fix…
“Where hands and minds combine, the painted word shines bright. In Bruges, masters craft the heavens in their works, making gold and light dance upon the page.”—Attributed to a 15th-century observer of the Bening Workshop Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining me as we recap the journey of Jehanne Bening, a 15th-century apprentice in Bruges….
“Writing is excessive drudgery. It crooks your back, it dims your sight, it twists your stomach and your sides.” — The scribe’s lament. Hey, friends. Can you imagine the toll that illuminating manuscripts took on the artists and scribes of the Middle Ages? The quote above from a 9th-century Irish manuscript is perfect. It captures…
“What beauty is, I know not, though it adheres to many things.” – Albrecht Dürer, 16th century Introduction: Hey, all! Are you curious about medieval art, workshops, or what life was like in the Middle Ages? As an SCA artisan, finding the right resources can make all the difference when recreating medieval art. Whether you’re…
At the Day of Judgment we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how devoutly we have lived.”— Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ Hey there, everyone! Welcome to the 6th episode of Jehanne’s 15th-century life in Bruges. Today, we’re diving…
“The apprentice sharpens the quills, fetches the ink, and ensures the vellum is smooth, for in these small services he learns the grand art.” Anonymous, French Manuscript (15th century) Welcome to another installment of “Journey and Art in 15th-Century Bruges.” This time we explore the daily life of Jehanne Bening. That’s me, or at least…
Describe your life in an alternate universe. As a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, I have an alternative persona. In it, I’m Jehanne Bening, a 15th-century apprentice to the famous manuscript artisan Simon Bening. As it happens, I am working on the details of describing her daily life for a future blog series….