The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-03-17
Miscellany.
Japanese Houses.

The following interesting details, by trav-
eler in japan, concerning the mode OF lie OF
the curious, invertebrate japanese, can
scarcely fail to interest our readers.
The houses are OF very light construction,
and consist generally of a ground-foor with
one story. The house is raised about thee
feet irCm the Ground. A verahda runs all
rouLd and gives access to the various looms,
which are separated from each other by slid
ing panels OF woodwork covered with trans
lucent PAPER. These are either winCows,
doors, or walls, according to the purpose to
which they are applied For instance, a
room is shut up-that is to say. the paper
frame work panels close it in on every sid, -
10 obtain an entrance You have only to step
on 10 the veIaLda, push aside one OF the pan
els, viii runs very easily in its grooves, and
pass into the loom. The floors are covered
with beautiful, soft mats, made OF very finely
plated rlce-straw, about two inches thick,
and bound along the edges with dark blue
cotton cloth.
The rooms are almost destitute of furniture
the dinina-tables are about inches high and
10 to 13inches square. These are placed Oh
the clean mats. The CUES seat themselves
round, and partake oil the savory messes
fro n variouSlJ shaped cups and basins. The
position they place themselves In is peculi-r;
their legs are doubled up under them, and
they sit resting on their knees and heels.
Custom enables them TO continue thus doub-
led up for a long time in an attitude which
European finds absolutely uncomfortable
Chairs are entirely dispensed with, though
sort oil low form is occasionally used. Bed
steads are unknown. Here again the mat
comes into requisiton, and sleepers place
small bolster on the ground, wrap themselves
In a warm quilt, and slumber on what we
should term the bare floor. Screens are
sometimes used; they are made OF frame
work Of wood aud covered witch paper, where
on are painted flowers and birds, the ath-
tudes OF the latter generally being very beau
TRULY and faithfully portrayed. To furnish
house is a matter of but little difficulty. A
few pots and pans, cups and basins, with a
hre-box to contain charcoal and keep the pot
boiling, set of drawers, and perhaps picnic
basket will serve to start a modest establish
ment, when once the house is complete and
the mats are arranged.
Tea-pots and tea-kettles are, in fact among
the first requisites of furnishing. These are
OF various shapes and sizes, ch city ct earthen-
ware and china, with occasionally bamboo
handles. Ii the tea, the beverage in ordinary
use, is to be drunk at once, it is made by
pouring boiling water on small quantity OF
tea In cup, and covering it over for lew
minutes with small saucer; tea-pots are only
used when it is wished to keep some ready at
hand. The kettles in the tea houses are very
large, made of copper, and capable or holding
many gallons OF water To keep the water
boiling chamber is constructed in the centre
OF the kettle and filed with burning charcoal.
The vessel is suspended from a frame work,
and, like our swinging table tea-urns, is nice
ly balanced, and can be easily tilted to pour
out its contents.