Nanzenji Temple Abbot’s Quarters

JAPAN, Kyoto

At Nanzenji Temple there are large and small abbot’s quarters. The large abbot’s quarters was relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in 1611 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The building, which was originally the Empress’ Palace, retains the style of an imperial building constructed during the Azuchi-Momoyama (1573–1615) and Edo (1615–1868) periods. The small abbot’s quarters was built in 1652 during the Edo period, and came from Fushimi Castle. The abbot’s quarters were listed as a National Treasure in 1953.
The large abbot’s quarters has a single-eave hip-and-gable roof covered in cypress shingles. There is a veranda with low balustrades in front of the building. The walls consist of translucent paper screens bordered by a wooden frame and sash windows. The space inside is divided by painted screens, paper walls, and sliding doors. The overall effect is one of simplicity and elegance. The large abbot’s quarters has six rooms, while the small abbot’s quarters has three rooms. Both buildings contain colorfully painted opaque sliding screens created by the Kano school of painting.