12/15/2023 0 Comments Japanese roof typesThe crystalline glaze has the characteristics of low water absorption and high water resistance, which can make the tile completely impermeable and has excellent frost resistance. The Japanese tiles are sintered at a high temperature of 1100 degrees into sub-glossy tiles. The difference from domestic tiles is that domestic tiles treated with cosmetic soil as the surface color will crack and peel off due to temperature changes. The roof tiles of Japan are a fun reminder that function is, of course, essential but form and attention to detail can brighten the ordinary and bring joy to the everyday.Ĭheck out more from Japan at Creative Corners – Where to go in Tokyo and Even Samurai Grow Flowers – The Story of Japan’s Chrysanthemums.Japanese roof tiles, inheriting the style of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, are unique in color and quality. It soon became a game to seek out new symbols and find out their meaning. It only took me half a day of strolling around Tokyo for Japanese roof tiles to ignite my curiosity and compel me to take far too many photos. Onigawara with a floral motif at Tennoji Temple, Yanaka, Tokyo If anyone can help identify this kamon, please leave me a message below this post Another example of the paulownia kamon as gatou Tomoemon, a swirling comma design, in the centre of this gatou An onigawara with a round gatou above featuring the kamon of the Toyotomi clan This onigawara is a kamon, family crest, in the form of a stylised orange blossom A devilish onigawara peaking over the eaves Roof tiles at the Tokyo Imperial Palace Depending on their particular brand of power, oni are believed to attract desirable things such as wealth, longevity, light and purity, or they may be more gifted at repelling unwelcome fires and misfortune. Stars, moons, water, clouds, fire – a little like the cast of Captain Planet. Oni come in many forms, each with a specialisation that often refers to a particular element or cosmic body. In Japanese culture they are like guard dogs, scaring off malicious spirits that might bring bad fortune to those living or worshipping under that roof. However, don’t mistake the fierce-looking ogres for being strictly evil beings. Onigawara, or ogre tiles, are generally used as accents on the corners and peaks of roofs, particularly those of Buddhist temples.Īs the “oni” part of the name suggests, many of these tiles are decorated with the faces of demons or ogres, although they may also depict flowers and other symbols. Kamon – identifying family seals or crests.Tomoemon – an arrangement of swirling commas symbolising water.Buddhist symbols – such as the sauwastika (pre-Nazi appropriation), often used on shrines and religious buildings.Symbolism and designĪmong the many symbols used to decorate Japanese roof tiles are: Eaves are capped with round disks, known as gatou, joined by broad, semi-circular tile endings called nokihiragawara. They seal the structure to prevent water leakage, wear and tear. The most commonly decorated tiles are those that cap the ends of the eaves, corners or ridgeline of a roof. Around the 11th century, fashions changed and tile decorations became increasingly diverse. Upon the arrival of kawara in Japan, which coincided with the migration of Buddhism, the tiles were decorated with botanical motifs that generally depicted lotus blooms, a flower revered in the Buddhist faith. One notable aspect of Japan’s traditional architecture is the kawara – roof tiles that can be traced back to the late 6th century when oven-baked clay tiles were introduced to Japan, from China and Korea. I only link to products I use and love, therefore feel comfortable recommending. Whether it is a carefully pruned garden, meticulously rolled sushi, or decoration on a utility cover, Japan is the perfect place for anyone who is buoyed by thoughtful design details, craftsmanship and character.ĭisclosure: I may earn compensation from the purchase of any product or service linked on this website, at no extra cost to you. You cannot travel to Japan without noticing the tidiness, attention to detail and deliberate use of design to improve the look of dull and everyday objects to create a beautiful living environment. Kawara, the traditional roof tiles of Japan, not only keep the rain out but they have personality, meaning and spiritual symbolism.
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