Nezu Museum

Hi Hi sisters ...... Sorry for the long absence and thank you for your interest in chanoyu. To see the finest in tea aesthetics, you can visit Tokyo Nezu Museum. It was founded by the industrialist and president of Tobu Railway, Nezu Kaichiro Sr. (1860-1940), an avid chanoyu practitioner. In addition to its world famous ancient Chinese bronzes, calligraphy, paintings; Nezu Museum houses a fine collection of tea aesthetics like thirteenth century Chinese celadon flower vases, Japanese Ashiya type tea kettles and Seto tea caddies and incense containers, to Korean ido tea bowls.

Situated in the chic Aoyama district where you can find international fashion names here. The architecture and interior design of these stores are attractions themselves.

Look at the bubble building of Prada, the interior is all white, modern and curved, wonder how it feels like to work in there all day? hip and dizzy?

Then, the Cartier building at the corner. Hehe, I think you have to show your bank book before entering, that explains why I only have a picture from the outside

The adorable Dior Boutique. Imagine Audrey Hepburn peeking through the window admiring the beautiful dresses inside @@

Nezu Museum was re-opened in Oct 2009 after major re-design by world famous architect Kuma Kengo. He tried to create an experience of wa - Japanese harmony in relation to its exhibits. The visitors are separated from the bustling commercial world by this high wall of bamboo and the soothing sound of dripping water.
The museum offers the latest in technology yet the feel is country and warm.
The many Chinese stone sculptures
Extensive use of glass bringing the beautiful Japanese garden in.
Since this used to be the private residence of Nezu san, it has an expansive Japanese garden with ponds and tea houses, even a Tori gate!
An old teahouse hidden up in the hill.
A boathouse in the pond. The rain was pouring so hard that day. Hehe, we were both standing on this narrow slippery bridge, me holding the umbrella so hubby could take this shot. A real collaborative effort :)
The winding creek in fall color
Another old teahouse with a moss covered stone lantern.
It was very dark by now and the museum was about to close. We got lost in the dark since the garden is so big and hilly, and covered with thick foliage. By the time we returned to the museum building, we were shivering and soaking wet (my poor new black suede boots!) but were very happy that we visited here :)