Shigemori Mirei Memorial Museum

Overview

Shigemori Mirei was born in 1891 (Meiji 24) in Kibichuo-cho, Kaga-gun, Okayama Prefecture. From a young age, he was close to nature, and at the age of 18, he built a tea room at a local shrine, marking the beginning of his career as a garden designer. He later studied Nihonga (Japanese painting) at the Japan Art Institute and, through self-study, mastered landscape gardening and garden design, leaving behind unique modern-style Karesansui (dry landscape) gardens in various locations. Mirei mastered the esoteric techniques of Chanoyu (tea ceremony) and Ikebana (flower arrangement), quintessential aspects of traditional Japanese beauty, and also undertook the appraisal and preservation survey of ancient gardens throughout Japan, making a significant contribution to the world of Japanese gardens. The Shigemori Mirei Memorial Museum, with the cooperation of the "Kyoto Rinsen Kyokai" (Kyoto Forest and Spring Association), which Mirei founded to enhance the appreciation and value of garden design, houses numerous publications such as the "History of Japanese Gardens" and survey drawings of famous gardens, including Rokuon-ji Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). The museum exhibits many of his remaining paintings and calligraphy. The museum's garden embodies Mirei's philosophy and techniques, deeply moving visitors. By learning about the historical context of Mirei's life, the beauty of his gardens, and the techniques and philosophies behind them, we can reconsider our relationship with nature today.