Japanese Architecture (Midyear)

Japanese Architecture

Characterized by a synthesis of ideas from China and native conditions producing a distinct style

Shintoism

Way of the Gods. The natural physical and supernatural transcendent world are both part of a single unified creation; holding the ideal of a life that is in harmony with and united with nature

Shimmei-zukuri

Style of Shinto shrine embodying the orginal style of Japanese Building

Outer Shrine (Geku)

Which is dedicated to Toyouke, the Shinto deity of clothing, food and housing

Inner Shrine (Naiku)

Which enshrines the most venerated deity Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess

Tori

Monumental freestanding gateway on the approach to a Shinto shrine

Kodo

Assembly hall for monks for reading sacred texts

To

Japanese pagoda enshrining Buddha relics

Kondo

Golden Hall; sanctuary where the main image of worship is ket

Chumon

Inner gateway to the precinct

Kairo

Covered gallery surrounding the precinct

Sorin

Crowning spire on a Japanese pagoda

To

Japanese pagoda, also butto or toba

Shoin

• Meaning writing hall

• A new type of residential architecture

• Features the proportioning system of using tatami mats (about 1×2 yards in size)

Tana

A recess with built in shelving

Tatami

Straw mats used as floor coverings (about 3’x6’)

Tokobashira

Post marking the partition between the tokonoma and the tana

Engawa

Extension of the floor, usually facing a garden; serves as a passageway or sitting place

Kakemono

A vertical hanging scroll containing either text or a painting

Chashitsu

Teahouses

Roji

Ornamental garden adjacent to the teahouse

Ken

A linear unit for regulating column spacing in traditional Japanese construction

Ken

The size of a room is designated by the number of its floor mats