PHAIDON Katsura: Imperial Villa 桂離宮 日本京都十七世紀皇家園林

“A sumptuous new book… Beautifully designed and lavishly produced… Yoshiharu Matsumura's splendid photographs allow a virtual guided tour leaving no detail uncovered. One can work through every well-proportioned reception room, admire the fine woodwork and almost touch the magnificent bamboo fences enclosing the garden.” — Building Design

 

A captivating and comprehensively illustrated study of the seventeenth-century Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, Japan. An outstanding example of Japanese architecture, Katsura has inspired countless architects from Bruno Taut and Le Corbusier to Tadao Ando and Kenzo Tange, and is often considered a precursor of Modernist tendencies.

 

The origins of the Katsura Imperial Villa date back to the 17th century when Prince Hachijō Toshihito, a descendant of Emperor Ogimachi, decided to construct a villa inspired by the passages from the classic novel, “Tales of Genji.“ Initially modest in scale due to limited resources, the villa eventually flourished under the stewardship of Prince Toshitada, who renovated and expanded the estate. Throughout the years, it attracted numerous visitors and even hosted Emperor Go-Mizunoo.

 

Katsura Villa is the quintessence of Japanese architecture, representing all its qualities, as simple as it is complicated. The more one stays at Katsura, the deeper one becomes involved in its charm. If one stays there for three days, it is architecture; after three days, it is poetry. This estate, with its gardens and outbuildings, has captivated architects and enthusiasts worldwide. It is defined by its rich history and enduring design principles that highlight the villa’s significance.

 

Now available in a new format, Katsura Imperial Villa offers an in-depth exploration of the seventeenth-century palace in Kyoto, Japan through detailed drawings and historical analysis. The extensive selection of maps, drawings, and photographs make this book an indispensable reference work and offer unprecedented access to this beautiful palace.

 

Features

• Edition : -
• Binding : Hardcover
• ISBN : 9781837290147
• Publication Date : 2025/8/27

 

Materials & Care

• Imported