KYOTO HOUSE

“This is a home for tea and life.” – Serhii Makhno
KYOTO HOUSE is a century-old home in Japan that has been reconstructed to preserve its unique history and atmosphere. The house combines Japanese and Ukrainian design elements, creating a harmonious blend of cultures. The journey through KYOTO HOUSE begins in the roji, a small tea garden adorned with Japanese ritual stones and Ukrainian art sculptures. This garden represents a moment of tranquility before entering the house. Upon entering the house, guests are greeted in the genkan, where shoes are removed and left until departure. The spacious living room is divided by a byobu, a Japanese screen, creating separate spaces for work and relaxation. The room features shoji sliding doors and rice paper partitions, characteristic of the shoin-zukuri style of Japanese architecture. The highlight of KYOTO HOUSE is the chashitsu, a tea room with a wabi-sabi spirit. The room is adorned with new tatami mats and vashi paper, and a special fire for making tea, called ro, burns continuously. The host skillfully handles a hanging teapot, guiding guests through a meditative tea experience.

A significant feature of the KYOTO HOUSE is the tokonoma, a niche where objects are placed to guide guests on their tea journey. Chabana, a minimalist bouquet of seasonal plants, symbolizes the heart of the owner and is surrounded by scrolls with poetic sayings. The tea ceremony, known as sado, is a highly ritualized and meditative experience that reflects the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity. The host guides guests through the ceremony with precision and grace, emphasizing the art of tea as the art of life. Ceramics play a significant role in the tea ceremony, with the chawan serving as the vessel for the tea. These handleless ceramic cups reflect the principles of wabi-sabi, with imperfections adding to their value and history. The master showcases a collection of Japanese ceramics from different schools and periods, including Bidzen and Shigaraki ware. Ukrainian ceramics, known as DIDOs, also accompany the collection.

The art collection in KYOTO HOUSE includes paintings, traditional and modern Japanese graphics, and Ukrainian ceramics. The house is enveloped in twilight, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that enhances the appreciation of the art pieces. As guests admire the art, the owner prepares their futon for the evening sado, completing the experience of immersing oneself in the traditions and beauty of Japanese tea culture in the unique setting of KYOTO HOUSE.