2022 NO.32
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Japan: A Culture Nurtured by Wood
Traditional Building Techniques Passed Down Through the Ages
Artistic Roofs Made of Layers of Bark
Traditional Japanese architecture employs a variety of roofing methods, including ceramic tiles, thatch from Japanese pampas grass or reeds, and shingles in Japanese cedar and Sawara cypress. Of these, hiwada buki roofing made from layers of Japanese cypress bark involves a remarkable technique unique to Japan.
For this technique, the outer bark from a standing Japanese cypress nearly 100 years old is used. The bark is collected by a specialist called a motokawashi who inserts a bark spud at the base and peels the bark off from bottom to top. This is done without damaging the inner bark, so the outer bark will regrow in about ten years and can be collected again.
Once the bark is collected, craftspeople cut 75cm by 15cm strips and lay them out one by one. The strips are layered at 1.2cm intervals and tacked in place with bamboo nails every five layers or so. Arduous repetition of intricate layers eventually creates a gracefully curved, yet thick and solid roof.
As a sustainable construction method using materials from nature, the value of this technique has been recognized anew in recent years.
1. Hiwada buki roof of a building at Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine (Photo: PIXTA)
2. A motokawashi climbs a tree over 10m tall to collect the outer bark.
3. A special knife is used to shape the bark.
4. Cypress bark soaked in water is laid out side by side.
5. Structures are roofed with great precision using different layering techniques on different areas of the roof.
(Photos 2–5: National Society for the Preservation of Shrine and Temple Roofing Techniques)
Coloring Techniques That Reproduce the Look of the Past
Coloring architectural carvings and paintings is an essential component of restoring temple and shrine buildings. The objective is to reproduce the original look of the building. The condition of the specific section is first analyzed, and appropriate techniques are considered. Glue, lacquer, mineral pigments and other natural pigments used in Japanese paintings are then used to fill in peeling patches and restore the design to its original state. Coloration also plays an important role in restoration work in terms of protecting the wood, as well.
Known for its magnificent carvings, the Karamon gate of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple was restored for the first time in some 40 years, beginning in June 2018 and continuing for a period of three years and four months. (Photo: Nishi Hongan-ji Temple)
A craftsman restores a gate carving. Fluorescent X-rays analysis, archive research, and other tools are employed to identify the pigments used when the gate was originally built. (Photo: Kawamo Art Research Institute)
Sturdy, Beautiful Partitions Made with Fine Woodworking Techniques
In traditional Japanese architecture, tategu fittings such as doors and windows are considered as important as the structure itself. Delicate woodworking techniques using light, thin wood are essential for making fittings that are both easy to use and strong enough to withstand frequent opening and closing every day. Only the best cypress, cedar, pine, zelkova, and other woods with small tree rings and clear grain are selected in order to prevent cracking and warping once the fittings are assembled. Tategu restored by master craftspeople are durable enough to last for hundreds of years.
A kind of window fitting called shitomido installed in Daihoon-ji Temple, built approximately 800 years ago (left side of photo). (Photo: Aflo)
Suzuki Tadashi, a wood tategu master, has been involved in the crafting and repair of traditional fittings for over 60 years. In recent years, he has been focused on passing on his skills to younger carpenters. (Photo: National Society for the Preservation of Traditional Fitting Techniques)
Crafting a square-latticed window fitting shitomido. There is absolutely no room for error in latticework. (Photo: National Society for the Preservation of Traditional Fitting Techniques)