Kara-hafu (
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Kara-hafu.png/250px-Kara-hafu.png)
History
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The karahafu and its building style (karahafu-zukuri) became increasingly popular during the Kamakura and Muromachi period, when Japan witnessed a new wave of influences from the Asian continent. During the Kamakura period, Zen Buddhism spread to Japan and the karahafu was employed in many Zen temples.
Initially, the karahafu was used only in temples and aristocratic gateways, but starting from the beginning of the Azuchi–Momoyama period, it became an important architectural element in the construction of a daimyō's mansions and castles. The daimyō's gateway with a karahafu roof was reserved for the shōgun during his onari visits to the retainer, or for the reception of the emperor at shogunate establishments. A structure associated with these social connections naturally imparted special meaning.[3]
Gates with a karahafu roof, the karamon (mon meaning "gate"), became a means to proclaim the prestige of a building and functioned as a symbol of both religious and secular architecture.[4] In the Tokugawa shogunate, the karamon gates were a powerful symbol of authority reflected in architecture.[5]
Images
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Karahafu on a Chōzuya pavilion at Nikkō Tōshō-gū
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Karamon gate at Nijō Castle
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Three karahafu gables at Himeji Castle
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Butokuden in Pingtung, Taiwan.
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ a b "karahafu
唐破風 ." JAANUS. Retrieved on May 30, 2009. - ^ "karamon
唐 門 ". JAANUS. Retrieved on June 12, 2009. - ^ Sarvimaki: Structures, Symbols and Meanings (2000), 18/2000, 82–84, 178.
- ^ Sarvimaki: Layouts and Layers (2003), Vol 3, No. 2, 80–108.
- ^ Coaldrake (1996), 197
References
edit- Coaldrake, William. (1996). Architecture and Authority in Japan. London/New York: Routledge. ISBN 0-415-05754-X.
- Sarvimaki Marja. (2000). Structures, Symbols and Meanings: Chinese and Korean Influence on Japanese Architecture. Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Architecture. ISBN 0-521-36918-5.
- Sarvimaki Marja. (2003). "Layouts and Layers: Spatial Arrangements in Japan and Korea". Sungkyun Journal of East Asian Studies, Volume 3, No. 2. Retrieved on May 30, 2009.
- Parent, Mary Neighbour. (2003). Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System.