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JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

Korea provides link between Chinese and Japanese Architecture Chinese designs reached Japanese shores through Korean Peninsula (Timber Bldgs of Karayo Period) Re-emerging across the sea in Japan -Designs are subtler transformation Traditional Japanese Architecture : one with nature -delicacy -serenity -refined proportions (anthropometrics) -with perfectly poised gardens

HISTORY Asuka and Nara Period -Chinese cultures overwhelming influence Buddhism: state religion (8th Century) -Todai-ji in Nara : city modeled after Changan (capital city of Chinese Tang Dynasty) Edo Period : became harmonized -age of architectural opulence in Japanese Architecture -strict measurements -result was very distinctive Japanese style In Korea- architecture maintained Chinese character until modern era Japanese Architecture of timber (wood) under strong influence of China -simple pavilion-like structures consist of wooden framework -imported by platform, lightweight materials for doors and windows like paper, non-bearing plaster wood Tiled, hipped Roofs -widely projecting -upward turning -elaborate bracket systems Low, wide Eaves -protection from heavy rains and extreme heat Stone for pillar bases, platforms, and fortification walls Great emphasis: Integration of buildings with its surroundings -verandas and japanese gardens Manicured Gardens -quiet contemplation -well-maintained Forked Fineals -simple structures made of logs of wood

-elaborately-carved logs Elaborate Joinery -demonstration of elaborate, highly sophisticated timberwork Tea Ceremony Pavilion -ancient Zen ritual encouraging sense of quietness and contemplativeness in the simplest of days, artifacts and rituals.

ELEMENTS Shimmei Torii Gateway -simple gateway of 2 pillars (driven straight to the Earth) -two horizontal beams (1 for structure, 1 as lintel) Myojin Torii Gateway -stylized refinement of Shimmei -double lintels (curves echo the eaves of the temples they serve)

PARTS OF A TEMPLE Katsuogi -short wooden billets placed at right angles to the ridge of a Shinto shrine Chigi -crossed fineal formed by the projecting barge boards at each end of the ridge of a Shinto shrine Hashira -sacred post in Shinto architecture shaped by human hands Nagari-zukuri -style of Shinto (based on its prototype) -front slope of roof extends to form a canopy over the entrance stair (eventually developed into a prayer room) Kasuga-zukuri -hipped roof extending from a main roof Haiden -hall of worship of a Shinto shrine Honden -main sanctuary Torii -monumental, free standing gateway -two pillars connected at the top, curves upward Kodo -assembly hall for monks in a Japanese Buddhist Temple -sacred texts are red To -Japanese Pagoda -usually 5 levels

Nandaimon -principal south gateway Sorin -crowning spire on Japanese Pagoda Chiimon -inner gateway to the precinct of a Japanese Temple Shoro -where temple bell is hung Butsu -representation of Buddha Daibutsu -large representation of Buddha

CHINESE TRABEATED STYLE By Chinese and Korean craftsmen -decorated eaves -bracket clusters: satisfy growing demands for a Buddhist Temple

POST AND BEAM ARCHITECTURE Superior woodwork Assymetrical design layout and refined curveness of design Spaces between timber columns often filled with doors and windows from floor to ceiling Decoration is generally restrained

SHINTO SHRINES Shinto: indigenous religion of Japan -Natural forces -Ancestor worship -Veneration to the emperor -Descendant of Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Shimmei-zukuri -railed veranda surrounds structure -free standing post at each gable end supports the ridge -bargeboards extend outward from thatched roof -one of the most venerated types of Japanese shrines -raised hut-like structure with veranda Famous Inner Shrine (Mie Prefecture) -dedicated to the Sun Goddess -built in untreated white cypress

-reconstructed every 20 years -reflects nature of Shinto gods (belief: no need for permanent homes) Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima Prefecture) -integrates sea into arrangement of walkways, platforms, halls -Torii rises out from the water

BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE Layout: Pagoda and Hall are side by side -abandoned Chinese axial symmetry o Kondo (sacred hall/main hall): one storied despite being 2-roofed o Kodo (houses sacred relic): lecture hall (5 storey pagoda) o Todai-iji: built to rival Chinese Tang temples o Buddha hall: worlds largest wooden structure o Nandaimon: great double gate o indian style in Chinese idiom o Hokkedo Chapel: coffered ceiling; recessed and square o Yakushi-ji (Nara): unique 8th century Pagoda o Toshodai-ji: Kondo is similar in scale and form to the main hall at Foguang temple in China o Hoo-do (Phoenix Hall): representation of Amida Buddhas paradise o -bird-like plan o -faade fronts a lake o Interior: rich in metal and lacquer work and mother of pearl Horyu-ji (Nara) -worlds oldest surviving wooden buildings -Korea is link to China and Japan

SHINDEN STYLE (SECULAR ARCHITECTURE) Elaborate kind of aristocratic house sleeping place Lakeside building with latticed doors instead of exterior walls

BUKE STYLE: favored among rising Samurai Clan Kamakura Period: Warrior Style -simplified version of Sukiya (pavilion) -Main hall: divided into rooms by sliding paper-covered partitions (Fusuma) -Outer walls: paper covered partitions (Shoji) -Floors: covered with straw matts (Tatami)

Writing room (Shoin): Priests -with shelves and alcove called Tokonama o Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto: Temple of Golden Pavilion mostly Shinden style chapel on uppermost floor of 3 stories Chinese style of Zen Buddhism o Katsura Palace, Kyoto mostly splendid Japanese country house reflects spirit of tea ceremony o Teahouses (Zen Buddhism) in thatched teahouse (Chaseki) inspired by farmers cottage ornament: flowers or paintings displayed in Tokonoma for contemplation

CASTLES Himeji Castle: White Heron Castle -Hyogo Prefecture -83 wooden buildings -Brilliant white exterior Maruoka Castle: Mist Castle Legend -oldest standing castle Nijo Castle -flatland castle in Kyoto Tosho-gu -only Shinto shrine in which Tokugawa Leyasu is enshrined -founder of last shogunate of Japan Yomei-mon:Middle Gate encrusted with a plethora of animal carvings

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