Shima (teahouse)

• Built: 1820
• Designation: Important Cultural Property
• Japanese: 志摩 (Shima)

Shima is a historical teahouse (geisha house) in Kanazawa's Higashi Chayagai geisha district. It is one of only a few teahouses in the country to have received this honor. Today it serves as a museum house, and is maintained as it would have looked in the Edo period.

It was constructed in 1820, along with the rest of the chayagai, the teahouses of which were among the only structures in the city granted exception from the ban on multi-story buildings.

One of a relatively few extant examples of Edo period commoner architecture, it features many elements typical of urban commoner homes and shops, and especially of geisha houses. Though the overall design shares much with machiya, there are of course elements distinctive of a teahouse. Some of the chief distinguishing features are handrails (bannisters) facing the front, and overhangs over the inner garden.

Another important point is seen in the menkawabashira pillars which can be found around the building. They have four planed sides, but the corners are left natural, with the bark still on them; they were then lacquered in deep color. Bengara-colored earthen walls, golden objects and the like were placed according to a definite plan, creating an elegant and refined look to the rooms.

The first floor contained the geishas' private quarters, kitchen, and other private areas, while the rooms for entertaining guests were all located on the second floor. An inner garden (tsuboniwa) allows light in and air to circulate, while also providing a pleasant view for guests to enjoy.

The kitchen was equipped with a well,

Narrow corridors provided access to the various rooms without disturbing other guests; a second staircase served the same purpose, allowing guests to come and go discreetly. As in most traditional Japanese spaces, sliding fusuma doors could be opened or closed to create larger or smaller spaces, as necessary for a given occasions. As in most geisha houses, the room furthest to the rear of the building was for the most important guests.

References

• Plaque on-site.