The jewel of Sansho-en, the Shoin House recreates the garden retreat of an Edo-period feudal lord. The entire building was constructed in Japan, disassembled, shipped to Chicago, then reassembled on-site by the same artisans who handcrafted it.
Inside, at a combination window/desk, or shoin, the aristocrat could study, read, or write poetry. Traditional Japanese items—scrolls, cushions, flower vases—decorate the interior.
Water Basin at the Shoin House
At the railing of the Shoin House is a square purification basin, called a hachimae. It is designed to be used from the porch or veranda of a building: the guest reaches out towards the basin to perform the ritual washing. The checkerboard motif, or kesa pattern, references the ceremonial robes of priests at the famous Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji, in Kyoto, Japan.
chicagobotanic.org/walk/tours/japanese_garden