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TOKYO METROPOLITAN TEIEN ART MUSEUM

Interior Decorating in 1933: Architectural Materials and People at the Former Prince Asaka Residence

Dates

Saturday, July 20 - Monday, September 23, 2019

Hours

10AM 〜 6PM

(July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 opening until 21:00 *Last admission at 20:30) Last admission at 17:30
Venue
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Closed
Closed on July 24, August 14 and 28, September 11
Exhibition admission
Admission Tickets
Adults Group
Adults ¥900 ¥720
University students（Vocational students） ¥720 ¥570
Middle & high school students ¥450 ¥360
65 and above ¥450 ¥360
Interior Decorating in 1933: Architectural Materials and People at the Former Prince Asaka Residence Images

Discover the charm of Prince Asaka’s Residence through its materials
Once per year, the Teien Art Museum hosts an exhibition to showcase the architectural beauty of our building, the Former Prince Asaka Residence, completed in 1933. This year’s exhibition focuses on elements of the interior design—wood, stone, tiles, wallpaper, and furniture—and introduces the materials and craftsmanship, as well as the carpenters and companies involved in construction, by drawing upon construction specification manuals, catalogs, and other documents from the time. This exhibition aims both to highlight the work of Japan’s artisans, and offer a new way of seeing and enjoying the architecture of this cultural property.

Former Residence of Prince Asaka
朝香宮邸正面
The Asaka branch of the imperial family was founded in 1906 by Prince Yasuhiko, the eighth son of Prince Kuni Asahiko. In 1922, while serving at the Military Staff Col lege, Prince Yasuhiko went to France to study military affairs. After he was injured in a traffic accident there, his spouse, Princess Nobuko, joined him, and together they remained in France until 1925. Their stay coincided with the golden age of Art Deco in France. Fascinated by the beauty of Art Deco, the prince and princess decided to incorporate its glories into their new residence, for which they commissioned the French artist Henri Rapin to design the interiors of the principal rooms. The architect in charge of designing the building, Gondo Yokichi of the Works Bureau of the Imperial Household Ministry, had been a passionate student of modern architecture while training in Europe. The superb craftsmanship long cultivated in Japan was, moreover, utilized in every aspect of its construction.
The Prince Asaka Residence is, thus, itself a work of art, the result of the enthusiasm of the prince and princess and the combined abilities of Japanese and French designers, architects, and craftsmen.
While it is now used as a museum, no significant changes have been made to its interior. A valuable historic structure that accurately embodies the Art Deco style and provides a glimpse of receptivity to other cultures that flourished in Tokyo in the early Showa period, the residence has been designated as one of the Japanese nation’s Important Cultural Properties.

Cutting-edge & finest quality from top to bottom
The Former Prince Asaka Residence makes ample use of the most cutting-edge and finest techniques and materials available 90 years ago. The building incorporated the newest techniques and materials, including a patented method of lacquering concrete, and washable wallpaper from the German company Salubra. Moreover, the rooms are decorated in the highest quality tiles manufactured by Taizan Ceramics and Tsubakigama Ceramics, among the most renowned artisan tile makers of the time. Enjoy the refinement of this early 20th century architecture as you learn more about these irreplaceable techniques and materials.

Princess’s sitting room & bedroom furniture
妃殿下居間・寝室家具
Furniture that was used in this area of Prince Asaka’s residence is on display for the first time since being restored. This set of furniture was used in the princess’s living room and bedroom. Pieces that had been altered were carefully restored based on research into the original appearance.

Special opening of the Winter Garden
ウインターガーデンの室内
This exhibition includes the opening of the Winter Garden on the 3rd floor of the main building, which is ordinarily off-limits. This room that was designed as a greenhouse is equipped with flower beds, water faucets, and drains. Please take note of the modern features, such as the floor with a checkered pattern of white and black stones.

Exhibition Title
Interior Decorating in 1933: Architectural Materials and People at the Former Prince Asaka Residence
Dates
Saturday, July 20 - Monday, September 23, 2019
Venue

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
5-21-9, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel +81(0)3 3443 0201

Closed
Closed on July 24, August 14 and 28, September 11
Opening times
10:00 - 18:00(July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 opening until 21:00 *Last admission at 20:30)
  • Last admission at 17:30
Exhibition admission
Adults ¥900 （¥720）
University students ¥720 （¥570）
Middle & high school students ¥450 （¥360）
65 and above ¥450 （¥360）

  1. Pre-purchased tickets are available online from e+:http://eplus.jp

  2. Figures in parentheses are group admission fees (for groups of 20 or more).

  3. Admission is free for elementary and younger students and for middle school students residing or going to schools in Tokyo.

  4. Admission is free for visitors (and one accompanying person) with a Physical Disability Certificate, Intellectual Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, Mental Disability Certificate, or Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate.

  5. Admission is free for seniors (65 and above) on the third Wednesday of each month.

Organized by
Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
With the annual co-sponsorship of
Toda Corporation Bloomberg L.P.

During this exhibition, photography is permitted in the main building (Former Prince Asaka Residence). Those who wish to take photographs in the museum are requested to respect the following rules.

  1. Photography is only allowed inside the main building of the art museum. Please do not take photographs in the exhibition hall of the annex building.
  2. Staff may ask you to refrain from taking photographs in crowded areas and near the stairs in order to protect visitors and the building. Please follow the instructions of the staff.
  3. Please refrain from using flash, tripods, reflectors, or selfie sticks.
  4. Photography should be limited to non-commercial personal use only. Regarding commercial photography, please see here.
  5. Please be aware that publishing photographs on the Internet may infringe upon the portrait rights of other visitors. Users assume all responsibility in case of use. The museum does not assume any responsibility.