About
In the serene countryside of Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, where the verdant fields stretch towards the horizon and the majestic Yatsugatake Mountains stand sentinel, there exists a structure that defies both gravity and convention. Suspended approximately 3.5 meters above the ground, tethered by four sturdy wires, the "Flying Mud Boat" (空飛ぶ泥舟) hovers like a dream captured in mid-air. This ethereal tea house, conceived by the visionary architect Terunobu Fujimori, embodies a harmonious blend of whimsy and tradition, inviting onlookers into a realm where architecture transcends the ordinary.
Approaching this marvel, one is struck by its organic form—a bulbous, earthen vessel seemingly afloat amidst the sky. The walls, coated in a warm, ochre-hued plaster, exude a tactile earthiness, while the roof, adorned with gleaming copper plates, catches the sunlight, casting a gentle glow that shifts with the passing hours. Measuring 2.7 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width, and standing 2 meters tall, this 600-kilogram structure is both intimate and imposing. Its design, reminiscent of a fugu fish or perhaps a whimsical airship from a Miyazaki film, challenges perceptions and stirs the imagination.
The genesis of the Flying Mud Boat is as enchanting as its appearance. In 2010, during an exhibition at the Chino City Museum, Fujimori, alongside local artisans and enthusiastic participants, brought this vision to life through a collaborative workshop. The following year, the tea house found its permanent perch in Fujimori's family field, nestled near his other architectural wonders—the "Too Tall Tea House" (高過庵) and the "Too Low Tea House" (低過庵). This trio of tea houses forms a captivating ensemble, each offering a unique dialogue between nature and human creativity.
While the interior of the Flying Mud Boat remains a private sanctuary, reserved for special occasions and select tours, its exterior alone tells a compelling story. The structure's suspension, akin to a hammock cradled between two robust pillars, imparts a sense of gentle movement, as if it might drift away on a breeze at any moment. This delicate balance between stability and flight encapsulates Fujimori's architectural philosophy—melding natural materials with imaginative forms to create spaces that resonate on a deeply human level.
Visitors to this site often find themselves lingering, captivated by the interplay of light and shadow on the tea house's surfaces, the rustling of leaves in the surrounding trees, and the distant murmur of the countryside. The Flying Mud Boat stands not merely as a building but as a testament to the boundless possibilities of design when rooted in cultural heritage and unbridled creativity.
In a world where architecture often leans towards the utilitarian, the Flying Mud Boat serves as a gentle reminder of the magic that ensues when form follows fantasy. It beckons travelers and dreamers alike to pause, look upward, and embrace the wonder that arises when human ingenuity dances with the elements.