This past week my family came for a visit to Japan, and we spent a few days in Kyoto. One of the places we stopped by was Tofuku-ji, which is one of my favorite temples in Kyoto. Tofuku-ji is a sprawling complex of massive buildings full of unique carving and joinery; covered pathways and bridges that span a little valley full of Japanese maples; as well as a few rock and moss gardens. It really is an inspiring place so I thought I’d share some photos from our visit. Hope you enjoy.
I’m a Japan specialist: historian and founder/guide with Walk Japan (www.walkjapan.com). I don’t know if you are familiar with the Japanese-American artists Isamu Noguchi (sculptor) and George Nakashima (woodworker) but they both had studios in Takamatsu on Shikoku. Some excellent pieces of each of them remain there; Noguchi’s studio is preserved in the same way as his New York studio is. And the entire Inland Sea area is a contemporary art mecca. Tom
Merci beaucoup pour ce partage plein de poésie, de délicatesse, de zen, …
Do you know what kind of product the Japanese carpenters traditionally used for sealing end grain?
Like on the 3rd picture of your post, the ends of the rafters and brackets appear to have been painted white with some kind of paint. Is it for looks only or does it serve some kind of practical purpose?
One source I’ve come across says that in the past a chalky paint, (maybe similar to milk paint?) was used, and nowadays I believe water based paints are used.
The purpose is to seal the end grain of the exposed members to reduce moisture absorption and slow down cracking/checking.
A bucket list item for me is a carpentry tour of Japan. Adding this one to a list of potential places to visit.
Let me know when you’re headed this way!
It was indeed almost beautiful temple. Fitting right in with the natural surroundings.
Not this year, alas, but I hope 2024. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for these wonderful photos Jon. Brings back memories from 1990 when we visited the Palace Gardens in Kyoto. There is so much history to see everywhere in Japan and you have highlighted some of it.