The aesthetic of artisan-made columns, floors, walls, roof tiles and fittings are an accumulation of craft skills that are not usually seen in new contemporary housing. Therefore the more the years pass, the more value is in theory added to a Machiya.
However, in Japanese law, the value of aged wooden buildings as real property depreciates and is not normally acknowledged.
But in recent years, more people have started to appreciate the significance of aged Machiya buildings. Less Machiya have been demolished, while more of them have been renovated and used by people who love them.

Based on the idea of carefully unfolding and then reweaving the trajectory and narrative of the house and former residents, Yu-mi Matsumoto of Kotonoha Estate has begun to purchase Machiya, and renovate and sell them.
As this Machiya in Kanazawa’s Yokoyama-Machi was empty for twenty years, the project started by sorting out the left-behind belongings of the woman who previously lived there. Suisei-Art, an art gallery in Kanazawa City, came up with the idea of making an art exhibition in the Machiya and invited six artists. They decided to use the former resident’s left-behind belongings as materials for artworks, and took some items back. Discovering a painting made by Chiyoko Yamashita, the former resident who was born in 1919, was an important inspiration to the team. Of course, they decided to display the painting in the exhibition as well.

The renovation work took one year and was done by a builder experienced in renovating Machiya. The Doma (earth floor) was revitalised, while the nostalgic atmosphere of the columns, walls and stairs was kept as it was. The old soft furnishings such as chairs were reupholstered. In homage to the Showa era, the washroom was retiled rather than placing a sink. A new design was introduced to the wet area and kitchen.
As a result, the renovation work was completed by making a Machiya where both old and new elements are harmoniously living together.
The exhibition was composed under the title ‘Kinōirasshittekudasai (Please come yesterday)’ and opened by appointment. Within the duration of two weeks around 200 people visited, including those who are interested in Machiya architecture, or those who like art.

The feedback for the concept of ‘Amu Ie’ (weaving house) and exhibition was extremely positive. This endorses the fact that we, the Japanese people, have always sought the aesthetic within our everyday life. Through this project, we once again recognise the memory which was buried within the history of the house, and wonder about the ‘good things’ that will be passed over to the life of future residents.

*This Machiya is currently available to purchase.

 
 
– photo explanation –

［I］flower・Kuniko Donen
［Ⅱ］2ndFloor
［Ⅲ］Fumi Imamura
［Ⅳ］Masami Yamamoto
［Ⅴ］Toshiko Nakajima

photo:Nik van der Giesen