uchigenkan　内玄関

KEY WORD :　architecture / aristocratic dwellings, folk dwellings

A subordinate entry in houses possessing a formal guest entry *genkan 玄関, and usually found in warrior class residences *buke-zukuri 武家造, aristocratic residences *machiya 町家 and the grandest vernacular houses *minka 民家. The term, which was in use from at least the latter half of the 18c, was used to distinguish the secondary entry from the main genkan, omotegenkan 表玄関. Whereas use of the main genkan was restricted to the head of the household and honored guests, the uchigenkan was used by other household members and senior household staff. Details of design varied, but it was less elaborate than the main genkan, often lacking the wide lower step *shikidai 式台, characteristic of the genkan. A similar entrance is the koshiyose 輿寄せ of the Old Shoin, Koshoin 古書院, at Katsura Rikyuu 桂離宮, which was alternatively referred to as uchigenkan to distinguish it from the outer genkan, sotogenkan 外玄関, although the koshiyose was the more exclusive of the two entrances. The uchigenkan might also be referred to as kogenkan 小玄関 or wakigenkan 脇玄関.

REFERENCES:

*naka-no-kuchi 中の口, *yoritsuki 寄付

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NOTES:

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