Learn about the relationship between modern architecture and pottery
"Architectural Terracotta Museum"

In front of the Toraku Kobo is the Architectural Terracotta Museum.

After the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 (Taisho 12), the building changed from brick to reinforced concrete. From the Taisho era to the early Showa era, the building was decorated with ceramic tiles and terracotta, called “architectural ceramics”. Here, a highly artistic terracotta collection representing Japan is introduced.

Among them, the "Imperial Hotel Old Main Building (Wright Building)", which is known as one of the representative works of Frank Lloyd Wright, a master of the 20th century architectural world, was a pioneer in the era of reinforced concrete architecture and decorative ceramics in Japan. The former main building of the Imperial Hotel was decorated with Tokoname-fired tiles and terracotta.

In the museum, 9 terracottas are introduced, centering on the pillars of the dining room of the "Imperial Hotel Old Main Building".

You can see the Imperial Hotel Central Entrance at the Museum Meiji Mura in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture.

Pillars of the former main building of the Imperial Hotel (Wright Building)

Terracotta at the Kyoto Prefectural Library

"Terracotta Park"

Behind the "Architectural Terracotta Museum" is the "Terracotta Park", which exhibits 13 terracotta pieces along with architectural photographs from the time. The idea that terracotta reveals its true expression only when viewed in natural light led to the idea of exhibiting it outdoors.

Terracotta, which combines the functionality of protecting structures with decorativeness, spread widely, but the number gradually decreased from the viewpoint of cost and earthquake resistance. At the Terracotta Park, you can see precious terracotta that is hard to find nowadays.

Attractive terracotta of demons and animal faces in Osaka Building No. 1 (by Togo Murano)

Terracotta at Otani Buddhist Center

Terracotta of "Yokohama Matsuzakaya Main Building".

The green square looks good as a rest space. It is also popular as a photo spot!

"Plaza with a kiln and museum"

As you walk in the direction of the World Tile Museum, you will see the Kiln Square and Museum.

The actual length of the tunnel kiln is 80m. 16m of them were relocated.

In one corner of the square, part of the "tunnel kiln" that was actually used from 1972 to 2005 is displayed.

The "tunnel kiln," a continuous firing type kiln, contributed to the popularization of tiles in building construction that began in the 1960s because of its ability to mass-produce homogeneous products. Nowadays, the number of such kilns is decreasing due to the age of high-mix, low-volume production.

Finally, we are at the museum shop!

Finally, let's stop by the museum shop in the World Tile Museum. Original items, items using tiles, and works by artists from Tokoname are on sale.

Glass paperweight (Japanese majolica tile pattern) ¥1,850 each (excluding tax)

Clay peg mug ¥ 1,000 (excluding tax)

Shiny clay ball ¥ 1,000 (excluding tax)

Tile soap ¥1,500 (excluding tax)

* Shop products can also be purchased at the online shop.

LIXIL Official Online Shop
https://www.care-goods.lixil-online.com/house/ilm/

This time, we have introduced the charm of the "INAX Museum" in two parts, part 1 and part 2.

INAX Museum where you can enjoy the six facilities to your heart's content while experiencing the culture and traditions of Tokoname, the city of pottery. Various exhibitions and workshops are held depending on the season, so you can enjoy it no matter how many times you visit. Enjoy learning about pottery with your family.

▼ Click here for the first part of the article

"INAX Museum", a hands-on museum where you can fully experience the charm of pottery [Part 1]

We went to the "INAX Museum" operated by LIXIL in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, the city of pottery. This is a hands-on museum where you can experience the culture of tiles and pottery from around the world. There are 6 facilities in the museum, where you can not only learn by watching, but also touch the tiles and participate in workshops...

2019.03.28

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