The Mystery of Juraku

Juraku has been a word of interest for many Americans. Juraku is a neighborhood around Kyoto, the oldest city in Japan, where a special kind of clayish soil was found. It was used by the most significant figure in Japanese history, warrior and commander Hideyoshi Toyotomi to build his residence called - Juraku-Dai in 15th century. He later also built Osaka castle which remains as one of the most remarkable landmark in Japan.

Culturally, it was Hideyoshi who contributed to the long-standing culture of tea ceremony, which later on grow among the ruling class. Inspired by the dazzling Kinkaku (golden pavilion) temple in northwestern Kyoto, he also constructed a fabulous portable tea room, known as kigame no zashiki ("golden chamber"), covered with gold leaf and lined inside with red gossamer. Using this mobile innovation, he was able to practice the tea ceremony wherever he went, powerfully projecting his unrivaled power and status upon his arrival.

In portraying symbol of elegance and higher status, since then, Juraku has been used in tea-ceremony room. By mixing natural clay, sand, straw and water, a stucco of difference is produced, and is called Juraku today. Its long lasting elegance which is proven by time, its warmth and unique aesthetics makes it a wonderful wall covering. Not forgetting, it is also a fireproof material which is naturally safe to use.