Reported by: Molly Pagano
Seisonkaku Villa was built by the thirteenth lord of the Maeda Family for his mother in 1863. It is located in Kenrokuen Garden, and is currently in use as a museum. This museum displays numerous parts of Japanese culture and history, such as Ekken no ma (intricate wooden pillars which hold the structure up), dolls, and furniture.
The architecture of the building is very interesting. The first floor is categorized as "buke-shoin," which means "samurai style," and is organized as a (typically) asymmetrical structure where each building is joined together with undeveloped areas in between.
This structure is one of only a handful of locations which display the possessions of a clan in their original surroundings. Numerous ink paintings decorate the sliding doors, and the walls are embellished with gold and mica. All of this, along with the structure itself, show the power and status of the Maeda Clan.
Note: Photos are not allowed inside the castle.
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