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2022.7.20
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Flower Ceiling in the Former Residence's Imperial Villa

Six paintings that decorate the Western-style room of a mansion in the early Showa period [Former residence Omuro]

The garden and sukiya-style architecture spread over an area of 500 tsubos (about 1,500 m2) [Former Residence Omuro]. The house used to be the residence of the late Mitsuo Yamamoto, president of the Kyoto lumber mill Yamazan Sawmill, and since it was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2017, it has been used as a place for socializing, mainly as a single building for year-round rentals. The Western-style room with a flower ceiling was created when Mr. Yamamoto expanded the building. Note the six flower paintings surrounding the chandelier.

1.Former residence and flower ceiling

The garden and sukiya-style architecture spread out over an area of 500 tsubo (about 1,860 square meters) [Former Residence Omuro]. The house is about 80 years old, and although the builder is unknown, it was inherited in 1970 by the late Mitsuo Yamamoto, president of Yamazan Sawmill, a lumber mill in Kyoto, who used it as his residence. Mr. Yamamoto has cleared the dilapidated garden and partially renovated the building. At that time, he added this Western-style room with a flower ceiling. Six flower paintings surround a chandelier. The room used to be a guest room with luxurious sofas. The floral ceiling probably added a touch of color to the hospitality of the guests.

Entrance to the Former Residence Gosho
Flower Ceiling in the Former Residence's Imperial Villa

Although the date of creation is not clear, it is estimated that a flower ceiling was also painted at the time of the addition. The artist is Akira Muto, a Japanese-style painter whose works were in Mr. Yamamoto's collection.

2.Teahouse on high ground with a view

Walking through the garden while admiring the greenery, you will reach the tea ceremony room. It stands on a hill overlooking the mansion and has a wonderful view as far as Mt. There is also a waiting area next to the tea house, with a tea room about one tatami mat in size, where tea was served.

Tea Room in the Former Residence's Goshitsu
Waiting room of the former residence

3.Glass sculptures of rafts floating on the Hozu River

The bathroom, which Mr. Yamamoto installed after purchasing the house, is Western-style. The glass doors are decorated with carvings in the motif of "rafting," the practice of transporting lumber down the Hozu River on rafts, in reference to the lumber industry he ran.

Glass sculpture in the bathroom of the former residence's Omuro Bathroom

4.Garden greenery reflected on quince table

The huge quince table in the hall also belongs to Mr. Yamamoto. The surface is coated with layers of lacquer, reflecting the greenery of the garden. This is called a "garden mirror" and is used as a photo spot.

Garden Mirror of Former Residence Gosho

5.Interviewed by: Hajime Osawa, Manager

Manager of the Former Residence Imperial Household

former residence of the shogun

  • crying room
  • 5 Omuro Okanosuso-machi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
  • 3 min. walk from Omuro Ninnaji Sta. on the Randen Line
  • Tel. 075-366-0376
  • Not open to the public (open only in May)
  • No parking
  • https://omuro-kyoto.jp/
*Please note that the information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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