If you are interested in art or architecture then you may enjoy this page. I have included details about some of the art, materials and other items in Machiya Lily. If you aren't interested in so many details, you might skip this page.
Tsuboniwa
Tsuboniwa is a term that describes a traditional, small Japanese garden. Tsubo is a unit of measurement that is slightly more than 3 square meters. Our garden was designed by Tomoatsu Sano, a well known designer in Kyoto. It has been featured in Niwa magazine and in a video to promote Kyoto tourism.
When we were designing the garden we found an early period temple stone on the site. Temple stones are carved stones which supported the wooden pillars of a temple. Machiya Lily is build on land which was part of a temple compound in the 1400s and it is likely the stone came from that period. Today, it rests in the same spot it did when it was first installed and serves as the centerpiece of the water feature.
My favorite season in Kyoto has always been the Fall when the Japanese Maple leaves turn bright red. Mr. Sano planted a Japanese Maple in the corner of the garden. There is a reading bench inside the house where you can relax and read with the Maple tree framing your view. Originally, I thought I would sit there and write the great expatriate novel. That part of the plan hasn't worked out but I have read some great books while listening to the garden.
Washitsu
The washitsu is the room at the back of the house overlooking the garden. This room has a tatami floor and two traditional futon beds which can be used when it is being used as a bedroom.
The built in cabinet at the back of the room is designed so that you can sit on it and recline against the wall while looking at the garden. This is my favorite place to relax. This cabinet is built from a single piece of Japanese Cypress.
The sliding doors leading to the garden are designed so that you can slide the bottom portion up and enjoy the view of the garden in the winter.
The paintings in this room are reproductions of a series of paintings by Miyamoto Musashi. He is one of my favorite painters and although I have dreams of owning an original version, I'm pretty sure it will never happen.
