Shiga

Oct 19, 2014 - 1 min read

Sagawa Art Museum

A building of extraordinary beauty

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

The water reflects the sky

A prancing stag sculpture stands in the pond

You can't tell where the water ends and the building begins

The water reflects light under the eaves of the building

The tea-house seems to stand on an island

Strange, shifting light filters through the water into the room below

Benches to sit and meditate

A tall narrow window creates a slash of light

It is very calm and peaceful

Cherry trees planted along the path must make a lovely scene in spring.

I love the way water surrounds the building

This striking building in Shiga Prefecture is an art museum. I was impressed by the exterior, with its long, low profile and shallow pond, but when I saw the "under-water room" I was enchanted. Light is filtered through water in the pond above, creating a mysterious and extremely beautiful atmosphere in the space. The museum includes a tea-room that appears to be an island in the pond. The museum's permanent collections includes works by famous Japanese ceramic artist Raku Kichizaemon and painter Hirayama Ikuo.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus 11 years ago

You have a great eye for photos. The water reflecting on the eaves of the building is pure genius!

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Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood Photographer 11 years ago

Thank you! Probably the architect planned for this lovely effect. It is magnificent architecture!

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