HISTORY OF ANCIENT JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

In this video you will learn Japanese Terminologies, Parts of Shinto Shrines, Parts of Japanese Buddhist Temple, Significant Japanese Buildings. Character of Japanese Architecture and Famous Japanese Architecture Japanese architecture is inclined with Chinese and Korean architecture. However, the design is uniquely integrated with its natural environment and culture. Japanese architecture is easily distinguished for being minimalist, organic in form, usage of geometric shapes and coexisting with nature. Inspired by traditional Zen Buddhism which is focused on a simple, clean and essential living. Japanese Terminologies Shachihoko, decoration on the topmost roof of a castle. Yugen, an incrementing loopholes in a closed hall on the castle's perimeter. Ishiotoshi, a slightly inclined wall opening on top of a stoned fence, that permits the defenders to counter-attack from any external intruders climbing the walls. Tatami mats, traditional floor finishing material. Tokonoma, an alcove containing hanging scrolls and ikebana. Fusama, a translucent traditional sliding door made by bamboo or wood lattice and washi paper. Rama, a decorative wooden transom on top of a fusama. Engawa, an elevated veranda resembling a porch, surrounding the house. Genkan, a sunken foyer, where shoes are placed before entering the house. Irori, a sunken floor in the middle of a room, used as a fireplace. Parts of Shinto Shrines 1. Torii, a Japanese gateway. 2. Stone stair. 3. Sando, walkway towards the shrine. 4. Chozuya, a small hall containing ladles and water, used for cleansing before going to the main prayer hall. 5. Toro, decorative stone lantern. 6. Kagura Den, a place where no or the sacred Kagura dance is performed. 7. Shimusho, administration building. 8. Ema, a wooden plaque wherein prayers and wishes are being posted. 9. Sessha Masha, small auxiliary shrine. 10. Komenu, a pair of animal-sculptured stone placed at the front of a shrine. 11. Hayden, oratory. 12. Toshogu, the main sanctuary of any holy place. Parts of Japanese Buddhist Temple 1. Sanmon, gateway to a Japanese Buddhist temple. 2. Gunutu, a Japanese pagoda containing sacred relics of Buddha, having five stories, representing earth, water, fire, wind and sky. 3. Kondo, main worship hall at the center of temple grounds where images or statues of Buddha are being kept. 4. Kodo, Buddha's scriptures are being kept in red. 5. Kuri, kitchen. Significant Japanese buildings 1. Religious 2. Castle 3. Dwelling having several traditional styles A. Tatayana Shiki or the pit style B. Farmhouse C. Takayuka Shiki D. Merchant's house E. Gasozukuri F. Tea house A tiny place for relaxation and meditation. Character of Japanese architecture 1. Houses are elevated on a compacted gravel. 2. Interior spaces are partitioned by fusama. 3. Roofs are slightly curved on the end of its edges compared to the Chinese, having four styles. A. Irimoya hip and gable roof B. Kirizoma gabled roof C. Yozumiyon hipped roof D. Hogyo square pyramidal 4. Uses Ken for the measurement of its intercolumniation 5. Application of Rama and Shachihoko Famous buildings in Japan architecture 1. Yakushiji Temple 2. Tokyo Imperial Palace 3. Himeji Castle 4. Golden Pavilion Temple 5. Byodo-in Temple Moreover, in Southeast Asia, Thai chieftains overthrew their Khmer overlords at Sukhothai and established Thai kingdom in the 13th century. From then on, Thailand architecture has been primarily influenced by the Khmer Empire and Indians, which will be discussed on the next video.