 |
|
|
|
|
Japanese architecture creates buildings from wood and paper. The wooden pillars that form the skeleton of the structure are a critical design element.
In traditional Japanese architecture, pillars are selected for their strength and aesthetic appeal. Unlike steel pillars, wood pillars repel moisture and resist decay. Perhaps most importantly, wood provides a natural warmth that has a soothing effect on the room's occupants.
The best pillars are made from carefully selected pieces of wood. These pieces of wood are then polished to a high shine to bring out the wood's natural texture and color. From ancient times, Japanese have tried to live in harmony with nature, and using these choice woods is a way to bring nature into the home. The value comes from the color and luster as well as the beautiful pattern of the rings that show its age. For this month's topic, we will introduce some of the types of pillars used in Japanese architecture, concentrating on these 'choice woods.' Listed here are a few of the most common varieties. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
<KAKU-ZAI>
For wood whose cut surfaces are squared off so that they fit together more easily, the following types of wood are the most popular: |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
1. Matsu (Japanese pine)
Pillars made of this wood have superior strength, a beautiful grain, and a luster that improves with age. Pine's weak point is that it is susceptible to insect damage. |
|
|
2. Hinoki (Japanese cypress)
A beautiful wood with a pleasing scent, Japanese cypress also offers superior strength and resistance to decay. Another advantage is that it does not attract termites. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
<MARU-TA>
Of even greater value, and even more difficult to select, are the round logs used in for the 'tokonoma' alcove of the tea ceremony room and other areas of high visibility. Since they are little modified from their natural state, they are a symbol of the natural world outside the room. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
'Migaki-maruta' is a peeled and polished log, meaning that the bark is removed and the underlying hard wood is polished. The following two types of wood are most commonly used as 'migaki-maruta.'
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
1. Sugi (Japanese cedar)
Pillars made of Japanese cedar are generally straight and beautiful. |
|
|
2. Hinoki (Japanese cypress)
Japanese cypress is generally not used in the 'tokonoma' (alcove) of tea ceremony rooms. However, the wood is resistant to humidity and has a pleasing scent. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Logs with the bark unpeeled are often used for the ceiling members and pillars of tea ceremony rooms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
1. Nandin
This type of wood takes a long time to mature. Accordingly, the wood is hard and often bent, making 'nandin' logs excellent as design elements. |
|
|
2. Sakura (cherry)
This is the most famous of all Japanese trees. The bark is lustrous and patterned, so pillars made of this type of wood are particularly beautiful. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
3. Sarusuberi (Crape myrtle)
This type of wood has a crooked shape and a shiny bark. It is used particularly often in tea ceremony rooms. |
|
|
4. Matsu (Japanese pine)
This tree seldom grows straight up, so pillars made of Japanese pine are both rare and valuable. However, the wood is frequently used as ceiling crosspieces. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The trees used to make wooden pillars take many years to grow.
In this sense, wooden pillars embody the heart and soul of Japanese architecture.
(Next month's topic: the traditional Japanese saw)
|
