The First Architectural Heritage Seminar took place on 18 November. On this sunny day, the students of the Architectural Heritage Seminar together with students from the Architectural Heritage Laboratory and Professor Shimoda visited Sankeien Garden, located in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Sankeien is a Japanese garden created by Sankei Hara, Yokohama silk trading businessman, in 1902. The garden is approximately 175,000m2 and is located in a Sannotani valley facing Tokyo Bay. Sankeien is comprised of two gardens: the outer garden for public visitors and the inner garden for private use by Sankei family. The garden represents an example of Japanese traditional landscape art and includes 17 structures of traditional Japanese architecture which were moved from other places and artfully arranged in different parts of the garden, creating a sense of harmony and unity with nature. Nowadays, the garden is a popular destination for residents as well as a research centre for traditional Japanese architecture and landscape art. The garden also has volunteers and students who support the staff in maintaining the natural landscape, servicing visitors and leading guided tours.
Sankeien Garden was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Japanese government in 2007.
During the seminar, a staff member from Sankeien Garden kindly led students around the main buildings and discussed their history and conservation practices.
Kakusyokaku, Former Hara Family Residence (鶴翔閣), Outer Garden
Tangible cultural property designated by Yokohama City.
The former residence of the Hara family is one of the largest buildings in the garden. Built in 1902, the residence was the basis for the formation of the future garden and also played an important role in the development and promotion of modern Japanese culture of the Taisho era. The building was restored to its original design during the last extensive reconstruction period from 1998 to 2000. According to a staff member of the garden, Kakusyokaku is currently used as a venue for wedding ceremonies, conferences and art workshops, making the building very popular as a place for events in the city.
Hakuuntei (白雲邸), Inner Garden
Tangible cultural property designated by Yokohama City.
Hakuuntei was built in 1920, was part of Sankei's private house, where he lived with his wife. The house represented a mix of traditional Japanese and European design, where modern technological equipment, such as a telephone or shower, was planned. The storage room is the first reinforced concrete building in the garden.
Rinsyunkaku (臨春閣), Inner Garden
Important Cultural Property
The building was built in the Edo period (around 1649) as the residence of Yorinobu, the first feudal lord of the Kishu Tokugawa clan. Hara Sankei purchased the building in 1906 and spent 11 years surveying the layout before completing the relocation in 1917. According to a staff member, while the building was moved, the shape of the roof and the layout of the buildings were changed, but the interior has retained its original appearance, including the Kano school's paintings. During the process of recognising the building as an important cultural property, extensive conservation was carried out, evidence of which was shown by the guide.
Juto Oido of Former Tenzuiji Temple (旧天瑞寺寿塔覆堂), Inner Garden
Important Cultural Property
The building was built in 1591 making this one of the oldest buildings in the Inner Garden and the first building to be moved Sankeien (1905). This building was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to pray for his mother's long life and originally was a part of Daitokuji Temple. According to the story of the garden’s staff, the carvings, typical of the Momoyama period, were painted in bright colours, but now only traces of them remain after weathering.
Choshukaku (聴秋閣), Inner Garden
Important Cultural Property
The building, associated with the Tokugawa Iemitsu family, was considered part of the architectural complex of Nijozo Castle and was built in 1623. The building has a unique architectural design that differs from traditional Japanese architecture by having three roofs and a small second-floor room. The entrance area is a step lower than the tatami room at the back, and the floor is covered with wooden tiles. The building was moved to the Sankeien in 1922, thereby completing the ensemble of the Inner Garden.
Former Yanohara Family Residence (旧矢箆原家住宅), Outer Garden
Important Cultural Property
This house was originally located in Shirakawa-go, Hida and was built in the late Edo period for the powerful Yanohara family. Since the house was located in a flood zone due to the construction of a dam, the structure was moved to the outer garden of Sanseiken in 1960. Despite being a farmhouse, it is one of the largest existing buildings in the Gasso-zukuri style that has been perfectly preserved. Visitors are not only able to explore the spaces but also see farm utensils and household items such as kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies and more. A fire is lit in the kitchen part of the house to give an authentic feel. Although the weather was warm, the students could imagine how cold it was to live in a traditional Japanese dwelling.
Three-Story Pagoda of Former Tomyoji Temple (旧燈明寺三重塔), Outer Garden
Important Cultural Preperty
Built in 1457 and relocated in 1914, the pagoda is the oldest building in Sankeien and also the oldest pagoda in the Kanto region. Situated on top of a hill, the pagoda has become the architectural dominant structure and symbol of the garden. Using the pagoda as an example, Professor Shimoda explained to the students the structural characteristics of Japanese religious architecture as well as the differences with Chinese pagodas.
After visiting Sankeien Garden, the Architectural Heritage Seminar students were able to see many unique examples of traditional Japanese architecture and learn about their history, restoration, and usage practices. We would like to express our appreciation to the staff member of Sankeien for leading us and giving a detailed tour.
Reported by Anton Sidorov (D1)
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