master's residence (Heian palace architecture)
Historical term for the main living quarters of the house master in shinden-zukuri style. Used in descriptions of Heian-period aristocratic residences.
See also: 寝殿造り
寝殿造では、常御所は主人の日常生活の中心だった。
In shinden-zukuri architecture, the tsune no gosho was the center of the master's daily life.
emperor's usual living quarters (imperial palace)
Refers to the room where the emperor ordinarily resides within the imperial palace. Distinct from ceremonial halls.
天皇は常御所で日常の執務を行われた。
The emperor carried out daily duties in the tsune no gosho.
Compound of 常 (tsune, 'usual, everyday') + 御所 (gosho, 'imperial palace' or 'residence of a noble'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term reflects its function as the everyday living space of a high-ranking person.