What was the Katsura Imperial Villa used for?

Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan’s Imperial Family. Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a tour.

Who designed Katsura villa?

Kobori Enshu
Katsura Imperial Villa was built in the early Edo Period for Prince Toshhihito (1579-1629) and work began when he was 40. The prince himself was the main designer, working with Kobori Enshu, a tea master, government official and garden designer.

Who built the Katsura Imperial Villa?

Imperial Villa Katsura Commentary It was built in the opening decades of the 17th century by Kobori Enshu, tea ceremony master and architect, who sought to express his ideals of rustic simplicity and picturesque nature on a larger scale than had been attempted before.

Who designed Katsura Palace?

Prince Toshihito was the primary designer for Katsura Imperial Villa, a former garden designer and tea master himself (both considered delicate forms of artistry in Japan). The result of his effort was a beautiful landscape, hosting pavilions, a man-made lake, 16 bridges, and a series of small hills and islands.

What is Katsura made of?

The Katsura Rikyu was built as a villa for the Hachijo no Miya family in the seventeen century, it consists of Shoin, tea house, and circuit style garden. This is a rare building that shows how the modern Imperial villa was built.

When was the Katsura built?

17th century
Katsura Imperial Villa, Japanese Katsura Rikyū, group of buildings located in the southwest suburbs of Kyōto, Japan. The complex was originally built as a princely estate in the early 17th century and lies on the bank of the Katsura River, which supplies the water for its ponds and streams.

How big is the Katsura Imperial Villa?

The Katsura Imperial Villa is set in grounds of approximately 70,000 m² (753,500 ft²), applying a traditional Japanese landscaping technique called the chisen kaiyu-shiki garden (池泉回遊式庭園). “Chisen (池泉)” means ponds/fountains, and “kaiyu (回遊)” means strolling around.

What type of garden is Katsura Imperial Villa?

The Katsura Imperial Villa is set in grounds of approximately 70,000 m² (753,500 ft²), applying a traditional Japanese landscaping technique called the chisen kaiyu-shiki garden (池泉回遊式庭園).

When was Katsura Rikyu built?

What are old Japanese houses called?

Minka
Minka, or traditional Japanese houses, are characterized by tatami mat flooring, sliding doors, and wooden engawa verandas.

Why are Japanese houses so small?

The small size of the houses is not only a reflection of the great demands made on a limited amount of land, but also a preference for familial contact. “Part of the satisfaction with a small space is associated with that cosy feeling of being at home,” Pollock says.