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