Shiga

Sagawa Art Museum

A building of extraordinary beauty

Cathy Cawood Oct 19, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A prancing stag sculpture stands in the pond</p>

<p>You can't tell where the water ends and the building begins  </p>

<p>The water reflects light under the eaves of the building</p>

<p>The tea-house seems to stand on an island</p>

<p>Strange, shifting light filters through the water into the room below</p>

<p>A tall narrow window creates a slash of light</p>

<p>Cherry trees planted along the path must make a lovely scene in spring.</p>

<p>I love the way water surrounds the building</p>

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.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...