Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse

About the Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse

The Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse (森松家住宅米蔵, Morimatsu-ke Jūtaku Komegura) is a clay-walled storehouse built around 1905 at the north-east corner of a former headman's estate in Mukonoso Higashi, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2009.

The Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse is a one-storey dozō, 10 by 4.0 metres, under a gabled roof of hongawara tiles. A deep-eaved Kuramae porch is attached on the south side, bringing the registered building area to 63 m².

One Storey, Standing Tall

Although it has only one storey, the Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse has tall walls and holds its own beside the two-storey clothing and tool storehouses. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes it as a tall-standing storehouse that gives the east side of the estate a point of emphasis.

A rice store is where the harvest was kept in straw bales stacked high. A single high room suits tall stacks better than two low floors, which fits the form: one storey, but lofty. It is also by far the largest storehouse on the estate.

The Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property for its contribution to the historic landscape. Built around 1905, after the family's years as village headman had ended, it shows the Morimatsu household still investing in the farm.

White Plaster, Dark Boards and a Deep Porch

The Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse stands on footings of cut granite. Its walls are finished in white Shikkui plaster with vertical boarding carried high, the same white-over-dark scheme as the two storehouses on the north side.

The deep eaves of the south porch let rice be carried in and out even in the rain, a practical shelter for the work of loading bales.

Seeing the Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse

The Morimatsu Family Residence Rice Storehouse belongs to a private home and its interior is not open. It stands at the north-east corner, with its east end just north of the East Gate, so its exterior can be seen from the road on the east side.

Notice how its tall roof makes a one-storey building look as big as its two-storey neighbours. Photographs should be taken from the public street. How to reach the estate is explained on the Morimatsu Family Residence page.