17.  Katsura Imperial Villa, Kyoto

Katsura Imperial Villa 桂離宮, built in the early 17th century [Mason, figs. 278-79]

Compound contains three main buildings:

•  Middle Study (Chûshoin 中書院)

•  Old Study (Koshoin 古書院) with moon-viewing platform

•  New Palace (Shingoten 新御殿)

What is Katsura Villa made of, and how was it constructed?

Design based on specific elements from the Heian-era novel Tale of Genji ( Genji monogatari )

•  Built on Katsura river

•  Contains large lake with several artificial islands and fishing hut

•  No provision was made for distinguishing rank of individuals in each room—less formal character consistent with novel

Why return to the past?   Why base building design on a Heian-era novel?

•  Symbolic reasons

•  Pragmatic reasons

Kanô Tanyû 狩野探幽 1602-74

Sukiya :   数寄屋風　 style of artlessness