Now, entering into the Middle Shoin we first notice that we must walk up a step to enter this level of the house. Because the Middle Shoin is a more private and personal area of the house, it is raised above the more common receiving area of the Old Shoin. This tendency, to physically mimic the social hierarchy can be seen throughout much of the architecture of the time, especially castles. This type of architecture was very popular among the samurai and in the shoin style. An interesting contrast from the more imperial motive of the Old Shoin, through which we just came. Also, because this was a private area, and not commonly used for entertaining guests, we encounter a more subdued and thoughtful quality. This style of striped down room was called "black shoin" in the Edo period. The paintings were done by various famous artists of the time, such as Kanô Yasunobu and Kanô Tan’yû.
Third Room, Middle Shoin