Japanese traditional architecture, Haiken-mado "looking windows"

The Japanese traditional architecture has many original elements, especially when it comes to windows, mado in Japanese, outstandingly combining functionality and design. I previously presented the Mushiko mado of the machiya (townhouses) and kura (storehouses), and the Katōmado "flower head" windows of Japanese Zen Buddhist temples.

While visiting Uji, close to Kyoto, at the Nakamura Toukichi tea factory, I photographed this rare style called Haiken mado, "looking windows". The upper part is designed to let the natural light enter directly, allowing the necessary quality control for the production of the renowned Uji green tea...