ART / ART / An accommodation designed as an art piece
6ishiki is planned and designed as a work of art by its owner, artist Eikoh Tanaka. From the architectural concept to the experiential design, it is guided by Buddhist philosophies such as Rokkon Shōjō (purification of the six senses) and the Six Realms.
Among the highlights are the artworks displayed in each room. These include photographic works that resemble drawings created with sunlight, collages incorporating traditional Japanese motifs, and pieces inspired by a primal worldview rooted in nature worship. Together, they create a deeply evocative and contemplative atmosphere.
On the first floor, there is a Japanese-style room unified in silver tones. At its center stands a painting created on a hexagonal canvas, inspired by the concept of 6ishiki. Using materials collected during the renovation—such as earth from the original earthen walls and powdered crystal—the work depicts an abstract landscape of mist, enhancing the meditative atmosphere of the space.
｜ Mu-ishiki ｜ Earth, crystal powder, acrylic, canvas, wood ｜ W1200 × H1000 mm ｜
In the second-floor bedroom, a folding screen–style painting in gold leaf is installed. Created through the technique of silkscreen printing onto brass plates, its surface unfolds with patterns derived from the kimono designs used in Noh theater. Only motifs worn by performers emerging from the otherworld or the realm of Yomi (the land of the dead) are employed, evoking the profound and mysterious worlds one may encounter during the hours of sleep.
｜ yu-gen ｜ Brass, silkscreen ｜ W1600 × H600 mm ｜
From the original iron chairs and hexagonal handrails, to the hand-painted and polished paper walls, the garden sculpture aligned with the sunrise of the winter solstice, and the cypress-crafted sauna—every detail of 6ishiki has been carefully created around its core concept. We hope that, in addition to the artworks on display, you will also enjoy the many experiences woven into this space.
As a place for exploring new forms of art
6ishiki is a renovated 100-year-old traditional house, originally the birthplace of owner-artist Eikoh Tanaka and once left behind by his great-grandfather. Historical records show that the Tanaka family has lived in this region for more than 600 years.
The facility also includes a café and was first launched as part of Tanaka’s social practice, rooted in art and creative projects. Over time, new members have joined, and together they continue to engage with the local community. Today, 6ishiki aspires to serve as a platform for regional revitalization, creating new forms of value while staying deeply connected to its surroundings.
Carrying a 100-year-old traditional house into the next century
The surrounding area of 6ishiki and no-mu has been greatly affected by local redevelopment projects, where many traditional houses have been demolished. This house, however, has miraculously remained. From this place, we look a hundred years into the future, continuing to develop borderless projects that go beyond existing categories, envisioning a sustainable way of life for traditional houses.
