Italian House, Early 20th century mansion museum in Kitano-cho, Japan
The Italian House is an early 20th-century residence in Kitano-chō that functions as a museum displaying European decorative arts within a Western-style building. It contains several exhibition rooms filled with original period furnishings and household objects that showcase the domestic lifestyle of an affluent family from that era.
The building was constructed in 1915 when Japan was expanding its international trade connections and Western architecture became desirable among affluent families. Following careful restoration work, it opened to the public in 1991 as the Platon Decorative Arts Museum.
The house reflects how affluent Japanese residents embraced Western design aesthetics during the Meiji era, creating a personal interpretation of European taste. The displayed objects show how imported furnishings and decorative styles became markers of sophistication and cosmopolitan identity in early 20th century Japan.
The rooms are straightforward to navigate, making for a leisurely walk through the various exhibition areas. An outdoor cafe on the grounds offers a convenient spot to rest and enjoy refreshments between viewing the different rooms.
Each room in the house was designed with a specific theme and preserves original furnishings that reveal how European interiors of that period actually looked and functioned. This approach allows visitors to step into the daily life and domestic arrangements of a wealthy household from that time.
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