Former Tanaka Family Residence – The Luxury of Kawaguchi Merchants and Tea Culture
The Nanpei area, where the Shiba River and Arakawa River intersect in Kawaguchi City, was once covered with wheat fields and blessed with abundant water resources and waterways. During its peak, the area was home to as many as 10 miso factories, and among them, the Tanaka family was a prominent figure. The Former Tanaka Family Residence was built by the Tanaka family in 1912.
This elegant residence, which has been carefully preserved and passed down by successive heads of the family, is now 101 years old. It stands out with its rare and grand three-story brick construction for its time. The residence features Rococo and Neoclassical style furniture, as well as tatami rooms lavishly furnished with rare woods, reflecting the refined taste and luxurious lifestyle of Kawaguchi merchants.
Additionally, the teahouse built in 1973 has fostered Kawaguchi’s tea culture as a rare space in the city that could host many guests. This exhibition will showcase the architectural features and decorative designs of the Former Tanaka Family Residence, along with tea utensils associated with the region. Please enjoy this opportunity to experience the diverse culture that remains alongside the remnants of modern industry.
This elegant residence, which has been carefully preserved and passed down by successive heads of the family, is now 101 years old. It stands out with its rare and grand three-story brick construction for its time. The residence features Rococo and Neoclassical style furniture, as well as tatami rooms lavishly furnished with rare woods, reflecting the refined taste and luxurious lifestyle of Kawaguchi merchants.
Additionally, the teahouse built in 1973 has fostered Kawaguchi’s tea culture as a rare space in the city that could host many guests. This exhibition will showcase the architectural features and decorative designs of the Former Tanaka Family Residence, along with tea utensils associated with the region. Please enjoy this opportunity to experience the diverse culture that remains alongside the remnants of modern industry.
Period
October 12 (Sat) – November 4 (Mon, Substitute Holiday)
Opening Hours
10:00 – 18:00 (Until 15:00 on the final day) *Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Closed
Closed on Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday).
Fee
Free
Organized by
ATLIA
Related
information
information
① Talk Event: "Former Tanaka Family Residence and Local Culture"
Date & Time: October 14 (Mon, Substitute Holiday), 14:00 – 15:30
Speakers:
Nobuo Okunoki (Mayor of Kawaguchi City)
Kawaguchi Tea Ceremony Association: Soubi Nagai, Soshin Kitahara, and others
Jizo-in, Shakujou-ji Temple: Deputy Chief Priest Toshiaki Ezure
Venue: Atria
Capacity: 40 people
Registration: Not required
② Curator Talks
During the exhibition period, curators will offer gallery talks.
※ Shuttle Bus Notice During weekends and holidays throughout the exhibition period, a free shuttle bus service will operate between Atria and the Former Tanaka Family Residence. The bus is available exclusively for visitors viewing the exhibition.
Exhibition Contributors: Suiko Toyohira (Maki-e Artist) Koto Toyohira (Maki-e Artist) Kawaguchi Tea Ceremony Association Masuko Co., Ltd. Kawaguchi City Cultural Property Center Cooperation: Kawaguchi Tea Ceremony Association Houju-san Jizo-in, Shakujou-ji Temple Shuichi Matsushita The Japan Kōgei Association Japan Kōgei Association, East Japan Branch Arai Co., Ltd. CENTRAL GROUP Tanaka Tokubei Shoten Co., Ltd. Saitama Rapid Railway Co., Ltd. Harebare Ribbon City Liaison Council (Names listed in no particular order, honorifics omitted)
※ Shuttle Bus Notice During weekends and holidays throughout the exhibition period, a free shuttle bus service will operate between Atria and the Former Tanaka Family Residence. The bus is available exclusively for visitors viewing the exhibition.
Exhibition Contributors: Suiko Toyohira (Maki-e Artist) Koto Toyohira (Maki-e Artist) Kawaguchi Tea Ceremony Association Masuko Co., Ltd. Kawaguchi City Cultural Property Center Cooperation: Kawaguchi Tea Ceremony Association Houju-san Jizo-in, Shakujou-ji Temple Shuichi Matsushita The Japan Kōgei Association Japan Kōgei Association, East Japan Branch Arai Co., Ltd. CENTRAL GROUP Tanaka Tokubei Shoten Co., Ltd. Saitama Rapid Railway Co., Ltd. Harebare Ribbon City Liaison Council (Names listed in no particular order, honorifics omitted)