Historical Kabashima Residence

This two-story wooden building constructed in approximately 1897 served as the primary residence for the Mitsuiki family. The structures, including the main residence, warehouses, gates, and fences, from late Meiji to early Taisho era have been well maintained. In every corner of the property, fine workmanship of joinery craftsmen, plaster craftsmen, and painters of the time can be seen, not to mention glass with engraved family crests, columns of bamboo and plum, and much more. Visitors will appreciate the technical skills and the combination of premodern and modern high-quality features that make this private residence in Itoshima a fascinating example of mixed traditional and modern Japanese-style architecture. Purchased in 2014 and since maintained by Zentetsu Kabashima (80), the warehouse is used as a Zen temple for the practice of zazen (meditation). Interestingly, there’s also a piano and chandelier. As you’ll see, this place is full of surprises! Inside the main residence, each room is filled with treasures from the past. Tapestries, wall paintings, ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, tea ceremony tools, Buddhist altars, fragrance boxes, wood block prints, and the list goes on. Some items have been placed in wooden and glass displays and can be comfortably viewed while seated in chairs. Zentetsu has a small atrium inside the house where he spins pottery and enjoys oil painting. Self-service green is available. Most items are labeled in Japanese so go with a bilingual friend if you cannot read Japanese.

Historical Kabashima Residence
Address : 101 Nijo-tanaka, Itoshima City, Fukuoka [ MAP ]
Category
Places
Published: Oct 27, 2020 / Last Updated: Oct 27, 2020

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