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Eastern Influences on Western Interiors: Japanese Decor
The topic of eastern influences on western interiors is a very broad one. Many countries,
such as China, Japan, Tibet, etc., have had an effect. Therefore, I have chosen to focus
on one country for this tip, Japan. Other eastern countries could, and may be, topics for
future newsletters. Each has its own unique culture and characteristics, and therefore
individual influences.
CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE INTERIORS
COLOR:
Japanese interiors generally use neutral, natural colors, to
provide a simple background. Interiors emphasize architecture, and as a result, provide a
sense of geometric order. In addition, natural colors minimize a feeling of clutter, which
is also essential to eastern design and its philosophy of simplicity. When a statement is
made in a Japanese interior, it is usually through a single strong exclamation of color or
a predominant texture.
Eastern art colors are pure. Unlike western art, which mixes
color and refines sketches, eastern art is original. This means the initial color and/or
brush stroke is the final result. Western art is often complex, whereas eastern art is
simple, strong, and graphic.
Black is often considered a "non-color" in our society,
yet, it is very important in eastern interiors. The use of black in oriental rooms lends
definition and form. For example, black is a color in its own right, when used with white
rice paper in a shoji screen.
TEXTURE & CONTRAST:
Some Japanese textures and materials that immediately come to
mind are cedar, rice paper, maple, bamboo, stone, and woven wicker. One might also think
of textured silk, tatami floor mats, and the elaborate needlework of kimonos and
obis.
Japanese culture seeks to balance opposites in all aspects of
life (yin and yang), and interiors are no exception. Interior finishes can be highly
opposing and contrasting, and yet achieve balance. Examples are, highly polished floors
with heavily textured mats, a lacquered box displayed on top of a rough wooden table, or
white pebbles on a polished black granite ledge around a tub.
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These striking dessert plates boast a
traditional Japanese peony design known as karakusa.

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In Japanese lore, rabbits symbolize
longevity. Reproduced from an 18th-century ivory original by Toyomasa.
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DISPLAY:
Western homes typically use an object on the perimeter as a focal
point, such as a fireplace, a painting, or an elaborate window treatment. Eastern
interiors, on the other hand, focus on a central object, such as a hearth (irori), a
garden, an altar, or an elaborate still life composition.
Japanese homes also commonly have display alcoves, called
tokonoma. Objects placed in these alcoves generate two types of feelings, either (1) a
natural or organic feel, by displaying an odd number of objects together, or (2) an
ordered and disciplined environment by using an even quantity. For example, three
calligraphy brushes in a cup would be organic, and four pebbles on a dish would be
disciplined.
Japanese displays are fluid. In other words, a Japanese alcove
may display a scroll one-week, and a set of pots the next. Eastern cultures tend to store
and rotate objects. (This is probably for two reasons; (1) limited space, and, (2) visual
pollution, outside the home, as the population increases.) Japanese displays are a
reflection of the season, celebration, or honored guest. This minimal approach focuses on
the quality and craftsmanship.
Instead of rotating objects, westerners tend to "display it
all." (I guess its because they were afraid someone whose given us something
may come over and we wont have it out?) A westerner would also tend to add to a
display to create a balance, whereas an easterner would create harmony by taking away. To
easterners, less is more, order is harmony, and there is a place for everything and
everything is in its place.
TEA CEREMONY:
The tea ceremony room is one of the most important areas in the Japanese home. It is a
place for sharing, in silence, and contemplation. Typically, a tearoom has a pool
surrounded by pebbles. I mention this because it signifies the importance of water, and
its serenity, in eastern culture. A bit of this serenity can be achieved in our own homes
through the use of rock garden and fountains.
FURNISHINGS:
Furnishings tend to be minimal and multi-functional. For example a futon is used for
sitting and sleeping, or serving trays double as place settings. To give ideas on how you
might use Japanese furnishings or artifacts in your home, I would like to go onto the next
topic, which is about antiques. (Reproductions of these objects can be found at reasonable
prices, too.)
*Note: For ideas about how to combine western furnishings, and eastern elements, please
see the first book I have listed below.
ANTIQUES OR REPRODUCTIONS
Here are some classic oriental objects, and interesting applications, one might use to add
eastern influences to the home. Please consult the second book I have listed below for
more ideas.
- A hibachi: A hibachi, in the true sense, is not a small tabletop grill as the
western world defines it. It is a finely crafted, portable fireplace, used in old homes
and shops to provide heat, warm sake, and boil water for tea. It was once also the
emotional center and gathering place for family friends. Original hibachis were ash
receptacles in low wooden boxes. They were also made from ceramics, lacquer, rattan and
metal. Large hibachis can be used as display boxes, or bases for end tables. Smaller
hibachis, which were once hand warmers, are now champagne buckets or flower holders.
- Kimonos: A kimono is to a Japanese artist, as a canvas is to a western painter.
Wedding kimonos and fans are especially decorative and valuable. Kimonos can be displayed
in a number of locations in the home by hanging them on clothing stands or decorative
rods.
- Obis: An obi is a wide sash worn with a kimono. Obis make excellent table
runners, or can be hung in a group, behind a bed, to create a headboard.
- Tenigui: These are rectangular cloths, which were once used as headbands, now
function as placemats.
- Keyaki: This is an antique door that could be used for a desk or coffee table
top.
- Sake Kegs double as planters, end tables, and lamp bases, depending on their
size.
- Japanese clothing stands can be used as towel racks.
Japanese kites make
whimsical shower curtains, and ceiling or wall decorations for a childrens rooms.
Smaller kites can also be used to make pillows.
* Again, consult the second book below for additional information and ideas.
Sites for More Information on Japan and Japanese Culture
a. Explore Japan.
Books:
a. East Meets
West: Global Design for Contemporary Interiors by Kelly Hoppen.
The second part of the title is misleading. Kelly Hoppen illustrates not only how to
combine eastern influences into western interiors of contemporary homes, but also how to
create eclectic
traditional environments. This book is not strictly for contemporary
lovers.
I like Ms. Hoppens interior design philosophy. Here is a quote, from her
introduction, explaining her approach, "Rather than dictate a particular style to my
clients, I see myself in the role of interpreter: I need to get inside a clients
head and discover their personality before I can guide them towards a style, a look, an
atmosphere in which they want to live. It is absolute essential to give people the home
thy want
" Five out of five stars on Amazon.com.b. Japans Accents
in Western Interiors by Peggy Sanders Rao and Jean Mahoney.
Shopping and introductory overview to culture, antiques and folkcraft. Illustrations of
how 77 different kinds of antiques or reproductions can be used. Detailed descriptions of
objects, found in Japanese culture, that can decorate the home, such as hibachis, kimonos,
etc. Featuring an appendix of American and Canadian sources for Japanese articles.
Article Printed with Permission from Catherine McGivern
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