Why call it a "Japanese Tea House"

9 years ago

Calling it a Japanese tea house seems so strange when it has very little to do with the style or function of a Japanese Tea House. Call it a " new age" or "meditation Hut" or something, but it smacks of either deliberate misuse of a foreign culture, or lack of understanding of it. There are some beautiful elements, but I would not call them "Japanese". You would find it basically lacking in all required elements for a Japanese tea house, in spite of it's "prettiness".

Japanese Tea House · More Info

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

PRO
Miriam's River House Designs, LLC
9 years ago
Schoonerbob, Thank you for your question and taking the time to write. It appears that you are a fan of Japanese architectural and design style as are we. It is not only beautiful and graceful but easily lends itself to artistic expression which is why many of its elements are found weaving throughout some of our designs. Artistic expression is not meant to be “traditional” per se, but rather it is the artistic interpretation and expression of the artist. All of our designs are just that, artistic expressions of both the customer’s and our own input, which creates unique one-of-a-kind art pieces.

In regards to the Japanese Tea House that you are referring to, it was never intended to be a “traditional” Tea House in the way that you perceive, but rather an artistic expression based on the style of a traditional Japanese Tea House using our own Metaphysical design principals and customer’s input. I would suggest, that if you have the time to visit our web site (miriamsriverhousedesigns.com), you can read the description that we have given for its design. I think it would help you understand that there is not and never was any intended disrespect aimed at the Japanese culture. This particular Japanese Tea House, designed using metaphysical principles, was intended to be a one-of-a-kind art piece, yet still functional. We are Metaphysical designers (not necessarily new age) and we design structures using the principles of mathematics, physics, historical spiritual concepts, and so forth. Combining and weaving these kinds of concepts and elements into our gardens and structures is a part of our business that we dearly love. Our art pieces are meant to invoke thought provoking discussion, which is one of the goals of any artist. Is our style for everyone? Absolutely not. Do you have to agree with it? Absolutely not. But for those who look for deeper meaning in life and the universe around them, our design style is going to resonate with them.

We have performed a number of Chanoyu demonstrations at our business location and at other locations for organizations interested in learning about the amazing beauty of a Chanoyu. Personally, I believe that the Chashitsu (traditional or our version) and the Chanoyu are very deeply connected to universal beauty, and again, in my opinion, very metaphysical in their meanings. Consider the “traditional” guest door, nijiriguchi, whose size and form contain a wealth of metaphysical information. At my age however, the idea of crawling through this small opening leaves me wondering if I would be able to get back up. It’s a good day to make yourself a cup of Usucha, sit back and contemplate the wonderful elements found in Japanese design. My best to you, Nancy Drobnick
aawuofa
6 years ago
Well said Nancy and I love this design.
Related Discussions
Help! Not sure about house room layout, especially location of kitchen
Q
Comments (17)
Thank you everyone for your comments. We live outside Christchurch, and the house was badly damaged in the quakes here. The post-quake rebuild process could safely be described as slightly chaotic, and the house company I am using are located some distance away (like on the North Island), which is why discussion with the architect has been - em - less than optimal. The architect threw something at me to get me out of my comfort zone I think and this is what's freaking me out! I think the windows on the east side are to come (no reason for them not being there), and probably a skylight in the kitchen roof. The section of land is narrow and steep, (this is a historic port town and with access from the south (where the view is); there is no parking other than on the street (south). Patricia - the laundry doesn't sit right with me either! Looks a bit like it's been glued on the side of the hosue. And it is too small as it is to store coats, shoes etc. This is the access to the back garden - thus the door (also means muddy boots can be dumped when we come in!). Entering a house through a living room is very common over here, especially where space is at a premium (small section, small house footprint).
...See More
1940's NZ kitchen - small, awkward-ish layout.
Q
Comments (121)
I would suggest you take out the cabinet that is to the right of the stove and use it elsewhere in the house -- perhaps in the bathroom or dining room with a hutch above it. Then, I would suggest you have someone install a lazy susan cabinet in the corner between the sink counter and the stove, meaning you would move the stove down a bit and have a small cabinet/counter top to the right of the stove. I would suggest you have the cabinets refinished in white and then paint the walls a pastel you like. If you would prefer white walls, then add white-painted crown molding and paint the ceiling a light neutral blue, such as Sherwin Williams Niagara Falls Blue. Then, I would suggest you choose a favorite accent color and use this sparingly in accessories like towels, pot holders, small vases or floral arrangements, and a valence above the triple windows. For a genuine 1940s look, you might have white ceramic square tiles with a rectangular red border installed as a back splash behind and above the stove. If you are replacing counter tops, I would suggest a light color such as white with a beige or light grey vein or striation for some sort of pattern. You might be able to find the same color and design in floor tile OR opt for a wood floor as another poster suggested.
...See More
The influence of light both natural and artificial light..how to use
Q
Comments (8)
Hello Lisa..thanks for your comments - so kind of you. The pictures are not good (sorry) and to be honest whilst I'm renovating I don't have the courage the post much at all ..well at least until it's finished but here are a few enclosed. My real idea is to get a discussion going that we might all enjoy. and yes how light strikes (as in angle?) can impact on even the paint colour etc. I see so many questions from readers about wallpaper paint colour etc and yet experts and skilled people such as yourself will know that it's the cohesion that has to work and light can play such a huge part. A wallpaper can be purchased and then prove disappointing if used in different a light as can paint - which is why we use your good services where possible! I've a pile of boards each with different colours (I use linen style artists boards as I can shift them around - I leave a white border on them to allow a suitable contrast) The small bedroom picture with the striped curtains was more to show that curtain colour - it's now blended with duck egg blue paint (sorry it's a New Zealand company called Resene's so it won't be known of there but called Robin's Egg Blue), ivory carpets which I had edged in a green/blue wool. Before these drapes (Laura Ashley) were in a different room and just didn't work. The bedroom hasn't been finished (See? I'm still a tad embarrassed) but I mentioned these as with incandescent lights this curtain colour did not work at all. Taking my courage in both hands and uploading a picture of the main living area which is to be painted next to do away with the strong saturated green..very dark and gloomy as the natural light is very limited. Hoping you can't see the paint splotches on the wall. Another lesson I learned is to paint a surface white and THEN paint the choices. If we don't do this the original surface colour 'bleeds'. So I really hope to have others including myself recognise that we have to have one eye to the climate and outdoor colours all the time as well as the same paint colour possibly being different from room to room. Regards...and thank you once again for taking the time to reply.
...See More
Not sure what to do to my kitchen
Q
Comments (17)
Lighting - pendants over the servery bench should be another feature that complements your chosen kitchen surfaces. So whilst I love the copper pendants in picture 1.. They could work depending on the rest of your decor and would be a highlight in a neutral white/timber kitchen = Good! If you choose copper you would complement it with a couple of copper bench top items. These are beautiful! (I collect copper because I love it, my kitchen pendants are silver, I renovated to sell in the next 3-5 years) You will see a picture starting to form in your mind and there is nothing wrong with making a statement with your lighting. I found that when I wasn't sure I would get a very strong sense of what was right and what was wrong for a space, then common sense or passion would determine the outcome! Here are another couple that might work, look her on Houzz under lighting, search pendants, then have fun looking!Timber tones with black or white to complement your cabinets... or Statement white pendants for a bit of quirky fun! Your personality can be reflected in your lighting and accessories creating that point of difference from the predictable white on timber look. Plus don't forget the power of greenery to punctuate the theme!
...See More
Keith Mayes
4 years ago
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Your Japanese Tea house is truly a work of art. Changing a name will not distract from the careful detail and thought given to your design. The owner must be more than satisfied and happy with this beautiful project. One negative review can never overcome one hundred positive reviews. Thank you for sharing your detailed photos!

Why call it a "Japanese Tea House"

Comments (3)

Miriam's River House Designs, LLC

aawuofa

Related Discussions

Keith Mayes

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US