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Saturday, July 2, 2011

Reflections at Takabatake Salon


 outside of the sun parlor

Naoya Shiga (1883-1971), Japanese man of letters, fell in love with Nara’s charms.  He had his house built in a lovely old residential area, Takabatake-cho, and lived for nine years from 1929.

The house, built at the beginning of the Showa era (1926-1989), was innovatively designed. Though it is pure Japanese Sukiya Style architecture, a few Western elements were introduced.  It seems to reflect Shiga's inner taste and his attitude toward family and friends.



sun parlor



Over the counter is the dining room which faces the courtyard.


The Western part of this house is the modern dining room and sun room.  Sunlight is coming through the skylight.  Having a sun room was a most innovative things back then.  Neighboring novelists like Jun'ichiro Tanizaki and Saneatsu Mushanokoji and men of art got together to this sun room and dining room to enjoy literary talks and mutual friendship.  Later, the place was called “Takabatake Salon.”  



For more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections site!

24 comments:

  1. What a lovely, interesting house and such wonderful reflections! Delightful, interesting post for the day, Stardust, as always! Hope you have a delightful weekend! Enjoy!

    Sylvia

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  2. A beautiful house, such clean lines and order.
    The way we imagine a Japanese house to be.
    A house for quiet contemplation, for art and conversation.

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  3. I'll trade my café for your salon!

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  4. Lovely interior...love the small pane windows and the ceiling of timber and bamboo...the warm simple design makes it very special.

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  5. What a lovely interior! I like the Japanese style.

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  6. What a wonderful reflections post! Loved the views of the rooms and the reflections. Reading about the history of the structure makes it all the more interesting. Even the courtyard (from what we can see) looks most inviting!

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  7. There are so many interesting angles in this architectural design. The windows seem to add a textural dimension since some are paned and others more open. I love the shot of the sun streaming through the skylight.

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  8. It is interesting to imagine how those literary masters who represented the times they were living were enjoying their companionship there.
    Mori Ougai also came to Nara as a curator of Nara National Museum, right?

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  9. I like to see places where writers lived. They're often very inspiring. This one is even more serene and beautyful!

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  10. Each time when I had homestay guest
    I visted there together. And with my sinior associate who lost his sight. He touched the window panes and the chiers inthe salon, feeling with his senses except eyesight. I love this house.

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  11. what an interesting home, my eye is drawn to so many things!!

    love all the lines!!!!

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  12. What a lovely place to chat with friends of similar interests. I can see how the seeds of creativity would flourish in such a bright room that captures the magic of the sun streaming through. This has a very modern look and certainly appears to be ahead of its time. Thanks as always for sharing your world, stardust. :)

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  13. Such beauty, and you captured it so nicely

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  14. Wow - what gorgeous shots! Love those rays of light.

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  15. Cosmos, yes, you’re right. When Ogai Mori visited Nara, he seems to have enjoyed strolling around Nara between his works as a curator of Nara Narional Museum. He left 50 tankas about Nara, 奈良五〇首.

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  16. Though I have been living in Nara city for long time but I've never been there.Nara was attractive place for writers, wasn't it? I want to go there if I have a chance.

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  17. What a delightful house, a lovely place to sit and talk with friends. Is it still occupied or is it now a museum?

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  18. What a beautiful house, and that skylight is an interesting addition too... How nice to sit in your house and have it brightly lit by natural sunlight!
    Have a lovely Sunday:)

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  19. Beautiful pictures, I love the light and beautiful reflections. Wonderful shots. regards

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  20. Hello Stardust!
    This style of architecture is so balanced and tranquil.I love the use of natural materials,and views of the garden.The links to the writer give an added dimension to the history of the property.....thanks for that.
    I've left a comment on your last post.

    Have a lovely week!
    Ruby

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  21. To Jenny. The house was used by occupation forces for years after the end of WWII. Some parts of the house was converted to their convenience. Concerned people restored the house into the original floor plan and
    decoration. Now the house is owned and managed by Nara Gakuen and is used as a seminar house while being open to the public.

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  22. Hello, everyone! Taking pictures of the house or the rooms was challenging for me regarding how to convey the most attractive point. Thank you for your comments, they are always appreciated.

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  23. Very spiritual home! The photos your beloved friend, are beautiful!
    many greetings

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