Zuishōji Temple
Tokyo, Japan
Founded in 1670, Zuishōji Temple is a historic religious building, also known for its modern quarters designed for the local priest and designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. You certainly do not expect to find USM Haller furniture, especially in an unusual place of the building. But when you enter the compound of Zuishōji Temple in Shirokanedai, Tokyo, you are struck by the perfect cohabitation of the two buildings, despite their three and a half centuries difference.
The quarters of the Zuishōji Temple priest, Mr. Yoshinobu Furuichi, surround the central basin, underscoring the solemnity of the historic building.
Mr. Furuichi says, “The Zuishōji Temple has a 350-year history and has inherited ancient Buddha statues and antique furniture. The temples are intended to transmit the story through these objects. The same can be said for the modern building, through the USM Haller furniture used.”
The priest’s quarters are not only beautiful but special attention has also been paid to each material and finish. The furniture for the interior was chosen for its durability.
The garage, located inside the Zuishōji Temple, is a real luxury in Tokyo where the square meters are so precious. Any inhabitant wishing to buy a vehicle has the obligation to have a place to park it. In Japanese culture, the garage is a priceless property whose decoration is never neglected, unlike Western garages! The entire interior of Mr. Furuichi’s garage is thus coordinated in gray and black. A huge piece of USM Haller furniture has been designed in a very precise way, taking care not to obstruct the three windows. This one is used to store documents. On the opposite wall, a USM Haller showcase exhibits many works of art owned by Mr. Furuichi.
“I was looking for furniture that would make the space attractive and fit perfectly into the space configuration. The interior designer in charge of the project recommended USM Haller and I chose black because I like sobriety.” – Mr Furuichi
“The USM Haller furniture is made from the same material as the red shop maid I have been using in the garage for many years! It also goes well with the works of Yuichi Higashionna using fluorescent lamps.”
Mr Furuichi remarks: “In the past, it was the norm to acquire an object, use it carefully and keep it as long as possible. Today objects become quickly obsolete but the value of a piece of furniture USM Haller is immutable thanks to its durability.”
In a corner of the garage, a rustic wooden chair is painted in green. It is a reproduction of a chair designed by the famous German architect Bruno Taut during his stay at the Shōrinzan Daruma-ji temple in Takasaki in the 1930s – the Shōrinzan Daruma-ji and Zuishōji temples belong to the same movement. Ōbaku Buddhism.
The design of this chair, the new quarters of the priest and the USM Haller furniture are all connected: although born at different times and circumstances, they produce a sense of universal value. All of this will join a common story within the Zuishōji Temple where time goes by so slowly.
(Interior Design: TATO DESIGN / Distributor: Interoffice)