Architecture Buddhist temples in Japan

1 architecture

1.1 general features
1.2 history
1.3 layout , geomantic positioning

architecture
general features

the roof dominant feature of buddhist temple.

buddhist architecture in japan not native, imported china , other asian cultures on centuries such constancy building styles of 6 dynasties represented. history consequence dominated chinese , other asian techniques , styles (present in ise shrine, held quintessence of japanese architecture) on 1 side, , japanese original variations on themes on other.

partly due variety of climates in japan , millennium encompassed between first cultural import , last, result extremely heterogeneous, several practically universal features can nonetheless found. first of choice of materials, wood in various forms (planks, straw, tree bark, etc.) structures. unlike both western , chinese architecture, use of stone avoided except specific uses, example temple podia , pagoda foundations.

the general structure same: post , lintel support large , gently curved roof, while walls paper-thin, movable , in case non-carrying. arches , barrel roofs absent. gable , eave curves gentler in china , columnar entasis (convexity @ center) limited.

the roof visually impressive component, constituting half size of whole edifice. curved eaves extend far beyond walls, covering verandas, , weight must therefore supported complex bracket systems called tokyō. these oversize eaves give interior characteristic dimness, contributes temple s atmosphere. interior of building consists of single room @ center called moya, depart other less important spaces, example corridors called hisashi.

inner space divisions fluid, , room size can modified through use of screens or movable paper walls. large, single space offered main hall can therefore altered according need. separation between inside , outside in measure not absolute entire walls can removed, opening temple visitors. verandas appear part of building outsider, part of external world in temple. structures therefore made extent part of environment. use of construction modules keeps proportions between different parts of edifice constant, preserving overall harmony.(on subject of temple proportions, see article ken).

even in cases of nikkō tōshō-gū, every available space heavily decorated, ornamentation tends follow, , therefore emphasize rather hide, basic structures.

being shared both sacred , profane architecture, these architectonic features made easy converting lay building temple. happened example @ hōryū-ji, noblewoman s mansion transformed religious building.

history

ichijō-ji s pagoda example of wayō style

the architecture of buddhist temples, of structure, has changed , developed on centuries. however, while particular details may vary, general themes , styles have strong similarities , common origins.

the mentioned hōryū-ji 1 of first buddhist temples built in japan. primary structures represent style current in 6th century sui dynasty china. kondō (golden hall) double-roofed structure, supported thick, strong pillars, , giving feeling of boldness , weight.

most buddhist temples in japan belong 1 of 4 main styles:

wayō - style developed in art , architecture in japan during heian period esoteric sects tendai , shingon on basis of contemporary chinese architecture. called distinguish imported chinese styles, in architecture characterized simplicity, refrain ornamentation, use of natural timber , in general plain materials.
daibutsuyō - japanese religious architectural style emerged in late 12th or 13th century on basis of contemporary chinese architecture. introduced priest chōgen, grandiose , monumental style based on song dynasty architecture , antithesis of simple , traditional wayō style. nandaimon @ tōdai-ji , amida hall @ jōdo-ji extant examples of style.
zenshūyō - style takes name creator, buddhist zen sect, , emerged in late 12th or 13th century on basis of contemporary chinese architecture. zenshūyō called karayō (唐様, chinese style) but, daibutsu style, rechristened Ōta hirotarō, 20th-century scholar. characteristics earthen floors, decorative curved pent roofs (mokoshi) , pronouncedly curved main roofs, cusped windows (katōmado) , paneled doors. typical of style main hall (butsuden), has 1 story seems have 2 because of presence of covered pent roof called mokoshi.
setchūyō - architectural style born in japan during muromachi period fusion of elements 3 preceding styles, wayō, daibutsuyō , zen yō. exemplified main hall @ kakurin-ji. combination of wayō , daibutsuyō in particular became frequent classed separately scholars under name shin-wayō (新和様, new wayō).

layout , geomantic positioning

part of tōshōdai-ji s garan (left right, kondō, kōdō, korō , raiō)

buddhist temple complexes consist of number of structures arranged according concepts or guidelines.

the arrangement of major buildings (garan haichi (伽藍配置)) changed on time. pattern had gate, tower, kondō , kodō in straight line south north. corridors extended east , west flanks of gate, turned north, , joined north of kōdo, forming cloister around pagoda , major halls. pattern, typified shitennō-ji in osaka, came china via baekje; chinese style of buddhist temples, though altered china via korean peninsula, based on of chinese palaces, , evident in many of basic design features remain today in temples of 3 countries.

a buddhist temple complex in japan follows pattern of series of sacred spaces encircling courtyard, , entered via set of gates. these gates typically have pair of large guardian statues, called niō.

in addition, many of more important or powerful temples built in locations favorable according precepts of chinese geomancy. example, enryaku-ji, sits atop mount hiei north-east of kyoto, said defend city evil spirits being placed in direction. arrangements of mountains , other geographic features in particular directions around temple play important roles well. custom continued long time. 8 centuries after founding of enryaku-ji, tokugawa shogunate established kan ei-ji in similar direction protection of edo castle. mountain-name, mount tōei (東叡山 tōei-zan), takes character mount hiei (比叡山 hiei-zan), , can interpreted meaning mount hiei of east.

kamakura s tsurugaoka hachiman-gū shinto shrine but, before shinto , buddhism separation order (神仏判然令) of 1868, name tsurugaoka hachiman-gū-ji (鶴岡八幡宮寺, tsurugaoka hachiman shrine temple) , buddhist temple, 1 of oldest of city. temple , city built feng shui in mind. present location chosen propitious after consulting diviner because had mountain north (the hokuzan (北山)), river east (the namerikawa) , great road west (the kotō kaidō (古東街道)), , open south (on sagami bay). each direction protected god: genbu guarded north, seiryū east, byakko west , suzaku south. willows near ponds , catalpas next museum of modern art represent respectively seiryū , byakko.

geomancy lost in importance during heian period temple layout adapted natural environment, disregarding fengshui.

in addition geomantic considerations, buddhist temples, other religious structures, need organized in order best serve various purposes. important space in buddhist temple complex sacred space images of buddhas , bodhisattvas kept, , important rituals performed.

hattō designed itō chūta @ sōji-ji

these areas separated accessible lay worshipers, though distance between 2 , manner of separation quite varied. in many temples, there little more wooden railing dividing sacred space of laypeople, in many others there significant distance, perhaps graveled courtyard, between two.

another structure or space of great importance accommodates physical day-to-day needs of clergy. spaces eating, sleeping , studying essential, particularly in temples serve monasteries.

according 13th-century text, garan temple kon-dō (main hall), tō (pagoda), kō-dō (lecture hall), shōrō (belfry), jiki-dō (refectory), sōbō (monks living quarters), , kyōzō (scriptures deposit, library). these 7 listed shichidō elements of nanto rokushū (南都六宗, nara 6 sects) temple.

a 15th-century text describes how zen school temples (sōtō (曹洞), rinzai (臨済)) included butsuden or butsu-dō (main hall), hattō (lecture hall), kuin (kitchen/office), sō-dō (building dedicated zazen), sanmon (main gate), tōsu (toilet) , yokushitsu (bath).