Karamon
Thekara-monorkara-kado(Đường môn)is a type ofgateseen inJapanese architecture.It is characterized by the usage ofkara-hafu,an undulatingbargeboardpeculiar to Japan.Kara-monare often used at the entrances ofJapanese castles,Buddhist templesandShinto shrines,and have historically been a symbol of authority.
History
[edit]Althoughkara( đường ) can be translated as meaning "China" or "Tang",this type of roof with undulating bargeboards first appeared in Japan during the lateHeian period.[1]It was named thus because the wordkarawas associated by the Japanese with any type of ornate architecture regardless of origin.[2]Thekarahafudeveloped during theHeian periodand is shown inpicture scrollsto decorate gates, corridors, andpalanquins.The oldest existingkarahafuis found atHōryū-jitemple.[1]
Initially, thekara-hafuwas used only in temples and aristocratic gateways, but starting from the beginning of theAzuchi–Momoyama period,it became an important architectural element in the construction of adaimyō's mansions and castles. Thekara-monentrance was reserved for theshōgunduring hisonarivisits 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]
Kara-monwould later become a means to proclaim the prestige of a building and functioned as a symbol of both religious and secular architecture.[4]In theTokugawa shogunate,thekara-mongates were a powerful symbol of authority reflected in architecture.[5]
Variations
[edit]Mukai-kara-mon
[edit]
Mukai-kara-mon( hướng đường môn ) is the most common form ofkara-mon,and features twokara-hafuat the front and back of the gate. This type of gate may incorporate akara-hafuin the middle of the roof, or the entire gable itself may be a curved structure.[6]
Hira-kara-mon
[edit]
Hira-kara-mon( bình đường môn ) are distinguished with twokara-hafuon the left and right sides of the gate. This type of gate was originally used at palaces, and was once calledmiyuki-mon( ngự hạnh môn ).[7]
Kara-yotsu-ashi-mon
[edit]
Kara-yotsu-ashi-mon( đường tứ cước môn, "Four-legged gate" ) is an ornate style ofkara-monthat features four undulating gables on all sides of the gate. A good example of this type of gate can be found atNikkō Tōshō-gū.Thiskara-monis decorated with 611 sculptures, including theSeven Lucky Godsand theEight Immortals.[8]
See also
[edit]- Mon (architecture)
- Japanese Buddhist architecture
- Buddhist temples in Japan
- List of National Treasures of Japan (temples)
Notes
[edit]- ^ab"karahafu đường phá phong."JAANUS. Retrieved on June 12, 2009.
- ^"karamon đường môn."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
- ^"mukaikaramon hướng đường môn".JAANUS. Retrieved on June 12, 2009.
- ^"hirakaramon bình đường môn".JAANUS. Retrieved on June 12, 2009.
- ^Nhật quang đông chiếu cung ・ đường môn
References
[edit]- Coaldrake, William. (1996).Architecture and Authority in Japan.London/New York: Routledge.ISBN0-415-05754-X.
- Sarvimaki Marja. (2000).Structures, Symbols and Meanings: Chinese and Korean Influence on Japanese Architecture.Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Architecture.ISBN0-521-36918-5.
- 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.
External links
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