Kayabuki Farmhouse for Silkworms
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From Silk Worms to Scarves: Inside the Historic Farmhouses of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba
Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan
Timestamp: 12:24・2024/03/20
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/11
This farmhouse stands as the epitome of a traditional Japanese rural dwelling, characterized by its iconic thatched roof and adorned with a few unique features tailored for silk production.
A defining trait of many restored farmhouses in the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba open-air museum is their incorporation of second-floor windows. These windows play a pivotal role in regulating airflow, light, and temperature, essential for the cultivation of silkworms. This industry was central to the village's existence, tracing back to the Edo Period (1603-1867).
The houses in this village used a distinctive thatched roof design, known as kabuto-zukuri (兜造り), owes its origin to the necessities of sericulture. The name, kabuto-zukuri, translates to "helmet structure,” and derives from the roof's resemblance to the helmet worn by samurai warriors.
Ventilation and ample sunlight were indispensable for successful sericulture, thus these dwellings were crafted to cater to the needs of silk production, reflecting one of the primary livelihoods of the local farmers .
Today, this meticulously restored farmhouse serves a new purpose as the home of Fujisan Silk, a gift shop offering a variety of silk products. From scarves to ties, these items are crafted by Kashiwagi Co., Ltd., a silk textiles manufacturer with a rich history spanning over 300 years in the neighboring town of Fujiyoshida.
Terms:
茅葺屋根 kayabuki yane: thatched roof
民家 minka: rural dwelling or farmhouse
茅葺き民家 kayabuki minka: thatched roof house
兜 kabuto: a type of helmet first used by ancient Japanese warriors and later by the samurai class
造り tsukuri: structure
兜造り kabuto-dzukuri: structure of roof resembling samurai helmet
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