Retro Japan in Photos: Trader's house recalls Arita's heyday as a global porcelain hub

Arita, a town in southwestern Japan, was once the epicenter of global porcelain production. The Arita Uchiyama preservation district for significant traditional buildings now honors this rich history. Amidst the traditional streetscape, the Former Tashiro Family Western-style House stands tall, a nationally designated important cultural property built in 1876.

The two-story wooden structure was crafted by Sukesaku Tashiro, the eldest son of Monzaemon Tashiro, who became wealthy by extending his business overseas. This distinctive building seamlessly blends Western architecture with Japanese techniques, featuring white plaster walls, a verdigris-trimmed porch and veranda, and a traditional sangawara roof.

The indoor spiral staircase leads to a spacious hall on the second floor, where a tatami-floored room adorned with washi paper featuring the Tashiro family crests of 'mokko' (quince) and 'kutsuwa' (cross within a circle) awaits. A chandelier, hung from a porcelain heat shield, adds a touch of elegance to the room.

Arched windows adorned with colored glass and fitted with double-leaf louvered shutters open onto the veranda, offering a glimpse into the preserved historic streetscape. Along the backstreets, 'tonbai' walls made from discarded firebricks, once used in climbing kilns, add a unique color and character to the town's historic scenery.