Model of a Japanese house made in Japan about 1920

The house is made of various woods but is not held together by metal nails. Pegs, slots and paste have been used in its assembly. The roof is a complete unit pasted together using its supports to neatly fit into prescribed slots at the top of the house.The rectangular boxes outside each set of windows need to be opened and closed and so are attached to the house by a peg at the top and bottom. The windows act as sliding doors allowing access to the balconies and garden. The back door is fixed leading to the bathroom and toilet. There are two rooms, one on each floor. They are connected by a staircase which is hidden behind sliding doors downstairs. The whole sits on a square base.

Given by H.M. Queen Mary

King Edward VIII brought this little house home with him when, as the Prince of Wales, he visited India and the Far East in 1922. He gave the house to his mother, Queen Mary, who later donated it to the Museum.

King Edward VIII brought this little house home with him when, as the Prince of Wales, he visited India and the Far East in 1922. He gave the house to his mother, Queen Mary. This was one of the many items that she gave to the Museum of Childhood and the gift came with a little note from the Queen herself. The house is made in sections, which peg and slot together. It has several rooms, and you can see the family is in the lower room. The bathroom and toilet are outside.

MISC.10-1936