The oversized decorative alcove (tokonoma) is in keeping with the impressive size of this room. The suitably large hanging screen (kakejiku) displayed in it was painted by Hoan Kosugi, a famous artist. The walls are plastered with a unique plaster of fine sand. Fusumo doors are decorated with real gold and silver dust. The lacquered (urushi) frames of the shoji screens, the exquisite ornamental nail covers (kugi-kakushi) and door handles (hikite) are a sign of rare luxury..







Previous pages: The heavy roof and deep overhangs are an aesthetically important part of a traditional Japanese home. This roof is covered with ceramic tiles, which were unusual in this area where most homes used to be roofed with thatch. The serene dignity of this house is enhanced by the vast garden of ancient cedar trees around it. The left wing of the house holds the formal drawing room, while the entrance is located in the right wing.

Left: The formal drawing room with 24 tatami mats and a high ceiling is made in aristocratic Shoin style, so named after a ceremonial built-in desk of the type seen below the window. The oversized decorative alcove (tokonoma) is in keeping with the impressive size of this room. The suitably large hanging screen (kakejiku) displayed in it was painted by Hoan Kosugi, a famous artist. The walls are plastered with a unique plaster of fine sand. Fusumo doors are decorated with real gold and silver dust. The lacquered (urushi) frames of the shoji screens, the exquisite ornamental nail covers (kugi-kakushi) and door handles (hikite) are a sign of rare luxury.

The wide veranda (engawa) has been lacquered to protect the wood floor from rain. Fifteen sliding storm shutters (otnodo) can be taken out of their closet (to-bukuro) located at the end of the veranda, and pulled into the rails just outside the posts on the garden side. This is done to protect the large drawing room from cold, rain and snow. Constructed more than a hundred years ago, the amado have not warped and can still be easily pushed one after another, like a train of cars along the rails.

Above: The wooden brazier (hako-hibachi) is used for warmth and for boiling water for green tea. Charcoal is arranged in the center under a trivet provided to support an iron kettle.
Left: The Satos enjoy fresh produce from their estate. The big bamboo colander has persimmons and gourds picked in the garden The small colander has chestnuts gathered in nearby woods. The edible pink chrysanthemums in the basket at the back are the special flower of this area, and make a pretty garnish on Japanese dishes, meant to please the eye as well as the palate.
Opposite: The small dressing table, the low towel rack and the tiny lamp (andon) furnish this dressing room that is used by guests while seated on the tatami mats. Such décor is reminiscent of classical Japanese inns.

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