Small museum in the mountains

“museum as it is” is a small art museum tucked away in the mountains of Chonan-cho, Chiba Prefecture. It looks like a house and is open only on weekends. It is a special space for a limited number of visitors. We feel that kind of spirit.

Legendary antique store

This museum, run by Mr. Sakata of the used tools Sakata store that once stood in Mejiro, is the work of architect Yoshifumi Nakamura. Mr. Nakamura himself used to frequent the antique Sakata when he was young, and even though his rookie salary did not allow him to afford it, Mr. Sakata told him many stories. His eyes, which were not bound by existing beauty, but looked at things with a free eye that transcended the boundaries between old and new, East and West, had a great impact, especially on those involved in manufacturing. In addition to Mr. Nakamura, others who were influenced by Mr. Sakata’s non-authoritative selection of objects include woodworker Ryuji Mitani and ceramic artist Masanobu Ando. (*Editor’s research)

Feelings because of simplicity

Proceeding through the entrance, which is lowered in height like a tea ceremony room, you will find a room with washi paper and golden tatami mats. The combination of the washi paper that absorbs the light from the lighting and the small entrance creates a warm and relaxing space, like a secret base. The construction of the room is simple, with washi paper simply pasted onto plasterboard, but the room is very generous in that if the washi peels off, it can be reattached.

I like the light in the Washi room and admire it.

As you exit the garden, a simple bamboo fence surrounds the garden and an iron table is set on the ground. When camellia blossoms fall onto the fluffy moss-covered ground, it is a world of wabi-sabi. It is because of the lack of space that you can feel the quietness of the place. There is room in this garden to accept even the fallen camellia as a taste.

A simple space where camellia flowers look even more beautiful.

What the ephemeral tells us

The aesthetic that Mr. Sakata wanted to convey, which I sensed while visiting this museum. I felt that it was the quality of things that are ephemeral and seem to disappear, that go unnoticed and overlooked by people. Although we may gain information from or be overwhelmed by something spectacular, I think it is difficult to project one’s self onto it. There is room for the viewer to lean into things that are wistful or have a blank space, and I think this leads to the viewer’s fine emotional response. We have all experienced the feeling of being reminded of nostalgic days by the ocean stretching to the horizon or by a car window with its tranquil scenery, or of suddenly realizing the happiness we have in the present as a moment of tranquility comes to our heart….

A breath of fresh air, chic service

When you have finished visiting the museum, you will be served coffee or tea. It was a wonderful time to take a break in the garden with its dry landscape garden atmosphere. It was a magical museum that made me feel as if I were visiting a friend’s home.

A decaying table with white dishes that look great.