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Tag: Kigumi Museum

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Experience Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (6): “Onigawara”

By ninjakotan

Experience Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (6): “Onigawara”   At the Kigumi Museum, you can experience more than just timber framing—many traditional Japanese architectural techniques are on display here. Most of these have been registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage under the category ‘Traditional skills, techniques, and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan.’ Let’s explore these traditional techniques as they are exhibited at the Kigumi Museum.    What is Onigawara? Onigawara are a key decorative element in Japanese architecture, known primarily for their placement at the ends of roof ridges. Typically made of tile, they are adorned with faces of ogres or mythical creatures and are situated at the top of the building (the ridge). Historically, onigawara were used as a form of protection, warding off evil spirits and external threats. The use of onigawara dates back to the Asuka period (592-710), with their shapes and designs evolving over time. Initially simple in form, they gradually became more artistic and complex. Particularly from the Muromachi (1336-1573) to the Edo period (1603-1868), onigawara became a symbolic aspect of Japanese architecture, with significant advancements in their crafting techniques.    Onigawara not only serves a decorative role but alsoread moreExperience Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (6): “Onigawara”

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Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (5): “Wa-Kugi” (Japanese Nails)

By ninjakotan

Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (5): “Wa-Kugi” (Japanese Nails) At the Kigumi Museum, visitors can experience more than just timber framing; most of these techniques are registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage under “Traditional skills, techniques, and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan.” In this blog, I will explain the traditional Japanese architectural techniques displayed at the Timber Framing Museum in sequence.    What is Wa-Kugi? Wa-Kugi are traditional Japanese nails that have been used since the Asuka period. Their most distinctive feature is their thick, angular shaft, which increases the surface area in contact with the wood, thereby enhancing the fixing strength and supporting the durability of buildings over long periods. Each Wa-Kugi is handcrafted by artisans, making every nail slightly different in thickness, which contributes to the delicacy of Japanese architecture.   Main Differences Between Wa-Kugi and Western Nails Appearance: Wa-Kugi have a variety of head shapes but most have angular shafts. In contrast, Western nails, which were introduced to Japan from Europe during the Meiji era, typically have flat heads and round shafts. Manufacturing Method: Wa-Kugi are handcrafted one by one by craftsmen, which makes them more expensive than mass-produced Western nails.read moreExperiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (5): “Wa-Kugi” (Japanese Nails)

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Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (4): “Saishiki”

By ninjakotan

Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (4): “Saishiki”     Experience Key Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques At the Kigumi Museum, visitors can explore not only “Kigumi” but also other traditional Japanese architectural techniques. Most of these techniques are registered under the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage category, “Traditional skills, techniques, and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan.” Let’s delve into the traditional Japanese architectural techniques displayed at the Kigumi Museum.   What is Saishiki? In traditional Japanese architecture, beauty is not only structural but also decorative, often enhanced through colors. One such decorative technique is known as “Saishiki.” This blog will explain the history and techniques of Saishiki, as well as its importance in the modern era.   History of Saishiki Saishiki, a method of decoration, was introduced to Japan from China along with the arrival of Buddhism. During the Heian period (794-1185 AD), it evolved into a uniquely Japanese technique and flourished mainly in temple and shrine architecture. Especially during the Muromachi (1336-1573 AD) and Momoyama (1573-1603 AD) periods, lavish decorations were applied using lacquer, enhancing their grandeur.   Techniques of Saishiki Saishiki involves various techniques, typically including the following steps: Base Preparation: Wood is thoroughlyread moreExperiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (4): “Saishiki”

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Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (3): “Urushi Lacquering”

By ninjakotan

Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (3): “Urushi Lacquering” Experience Key Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques At the Kigumi Museum, visitors can explore not only “Kigumi” but also other traditional Japanese architectural techniques. Most of these techniques are registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage under the category of “Traditional skills, techniques, and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan.” Let’s delve into the traditional Japanese architectural techniques exhibited at the Kigumi Museum. What is Urushi Lacquering? Urushi lacquering is a traditional Japanese painting technique used on structures such as temples and shrines, offering beauty and durability. Urushi, the lacquer used, is derived from the sap of the lacquer tree and is considered a high-quality paint material. This article introduces the basic techniques and the allure of Urushi lacquering. History and Characteristics of Urushi Lacquering Urushi lacquering has developed in Japan over thousands of years. It is primarily used to protect and decorate wood surfaces. Natural components in the lacquer form a strong protective coating when hardened, safeguarding the wood from water and pests and maintaining its beauty over long periods. The Process of Urushi Lacquering The process of Urushi lacquering is complex and requires advanced skills. Here areread moreExperiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (3): “Urushi Lacquering”

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Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (2): “Sakan”

By ninjakotan

Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (2): “Sakan” What is “Sakan”? Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques At the Kigumi Museum, visitors can explore not only “Kigumi” but also other traditional Japanese architectural techniques. Most of these techniques are registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage under the category of “Traditional skills, techniques, and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan.” Let’s delve into the traditional Japanese architectural techniques exhibited at the Kigumi Museum. Understanding “Sakan” (Japanese Plastering) “Sakan” refers to the work of applying plaster or mortar to exterior walls or earthen walls using a trowel, as well as the artisans who perform this task. It requires highly skilled craftsmanship, and the proficiency of artisans greatly influences the finished product. The origins of Sakan can be traced back to the Jomon period, where people primarily lived in pit dwellings and stacked soil to create earthen walls, marking the beginning of Sakan. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Sakan craftsmen played a significant role in the construction of tea rooms, a field also developed by figures such as Sen no Rikyu in the realm of tea ceremony. Traditional Japanese plastering techniques include “Kyo-kabe” (ancient-style Kyoto walls), which finish the surface with soil,read moreExperiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (2): “Sakan”

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Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (1): “Kigumi”

By ninjakotan

Experiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (1): “Kigumi”   What is “Kigumi”? Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques “Kigumi” is a traditional construction method in Japan that is said to have been used as early as the Heian period. With minimal use of metal fittings such as nails, it is a highly precise technique of building structures primarily using wood. By intricately carving and processing the ends of the timber, they are fitted together tightly to form a sturdy framework. Characteristics of “Kigumi” Despite the minimal use of metal fittings, buildings constructed using “Kigumi” exhibit high durability and seismic resistance. Unlike modern machine-cut timber, “Kigumi” involves hand-carving along the wood fibers. As a result, the wood retains its strength and resilience, making it a highly durable structural material. Furthermore, since it does not rely on nails or bolts for connection, “Kigumi” joints may have slight gaps. These gaps effectively absorb seismic forces during earthquakes, allowing the structure to withstand tremors. “Kigumi” can be considered a technique well-suited to Japan’s earthquake-prone environment.   Examples of “Kigumi” Architecture One of the most famous temples in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Horyu-ji Temple, is renowned for its construction using “Kigumi.” Maintaining its beautiful appearanceread moreExperiencing Traditional Japanese Architectural Techniques (1): “Kigumi”