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What is Japanese Architecture?: A Survey of Traditional Japanese Architecture
Traditional Japanese architecture-whether Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, residences, castles, or teahouses-has become increasingly familiar around the world. Through the media of motion pictures, art books, T.V. documentaries and dramas such as Shogun, as well as through personal
experience, more and more people have gained an acquaintance and appreciation of the architecture of premodern Japan. Some may even be able to name or recognize the oldest and the largest wooden structures in existence, which are to be found in Japan at Horyuji and Todaiji respectively. Yet often
this knowledge is still rudimentary. Confusion abounds as to what distinguishes Japanese architecture from Chinese or Korean, or even Southeast Asian, not to mention what sets off a Buddhist temple from a Shinto shrine or, say, a residence of the tenth century from one of the eighteenth. Until now,
there has been no recourse for those seeking, through a single book, to increase their appreciation of the whole range of traditional Japanese architecture. With the publication of What Is Japanese Architecture?, however, this situation has finally been rectified. Construction, design, carpentry,
and the background of Japanese architecture, from prehistory to mid-nineteenth century, are here made available within the covers of a single, compact book.
With over 300 drawings that illuminate the essentials of discussion more concretely than words could ever do, and a text that is succinct and always to the point, the book is divided into four parts-one each dealing chronologically with religious structures, residences, castles, and places of
entertainment. The reader learns not only how each of these fields of architecture has evolved over the centuries and what distinguishes the buildings of one age from those of another, but something of the historical conditions and the people responsible for these changes as well as the role played
by carpentry and methods of construction. The establishment and growth of the historic Japanese capitals-Nara, Kyoto, Edo-is brought sharply into focus, along with the rise and spread of other urban centers. Also highlighted are the mansions of the court nobility; the castles and residences of the
samurai aristocracy; the homes of village elders; dwellings of the common people; educational institutions, and places of entertainment such as theaters, red-light districts, teahouses, and country villas.
Any book that is as full of information as this, and readily accessible and clearly illustrated at the same time, will be of great interest and use to a wide range of people-architects, designers, historians, carpenters, movie buffs, tourists, garden designers, and others, whether amateur or
professional. Whatever the readers' background, there is little doubt about one thing: they will emerge with an acuter eye and a greater sensitivity to the delights of traditional Japanese architecture.
experience, more and more people have gained an acquaintance and appreciation of the architecture of premodern Japan. Some may even be able to name or recognize the oldest and the largest wooden structures in existence, which are to be found in Japan at Horyuji and Todaiji respectively. Yet often
this knowledge is still rudimentary. Confusion abounds as to what distinguishes Japanese architecture from Chinese or Korean, or even Southeast Asian, not to mention what sets off a Buddhist temple from a Shinto shrine or, say, a residence of the tenth century from one of the eighteenth. Until now,
there has been no recourse for those seeking, through a single book, to increase their appreciation of the whole range of traditional Japanese architecture. With the publication of What Is Japanese Architecture?, however, this situation has finally been rectified. Construction, design, carpentry,
and the background of Japanese architecture, from prehistory to mid-nineteenth century, are here made available within the covers of a single, compact book.
With over 300 drawings that illuminate the essentials of discussion more concretely than words could ever do, and a text that is succinct and always to the point, the book is divided into four parts-one each dealing chronologically with religious structures, residences, castles, and places of
entertainment. The reader learns not only how each of these fields of architecture has evolved over the centuries and what distinguishes the buildings of one age from those of another, but something of the historical conditions and the people responsible for these changes as well as the role played
by carpentry and methods of construction. The establishment and growth of the historic Japanese capitals-Nara, Kyoto, Edo-is brought sharply into focus, along with the rise and spread of other urban centers. Also highlighted are the mansions of the court nobility; the castles and residences of the
samurai aristocracy; the homes of village elders; dwellings of the common people; educational institutions, and places of entertainment such as theaters, red-light districts, teahouses, and country villas.
Any book that is as full of information as this, and readily accessible and clearly illustrated at the same time, will be of great interest and use to a wide range of people-architects, designers, historians, carpenters, movie buffs, tourists, garden designers, and others, whether amateur or
professional. Whatever the readers' background, there is little doubt about one thing: they will emerge with an acuter eye and a greater sensitivity to the delights of traditional Japanese architecture.
144 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 28, 2021
This book provides a good overview of traditional Japanese architecture. It is illustrated with black-and-white drawings, so it is easy to see the details of the structures. However, at times it uses highly technical jargon, so it can be a little difficult to follow for readers who aren't familiar with architectural terms. I particularly liked the sections towards the end of the book which discussed things such as tea houses and kabuki theaters. These sections contained more cultural information, so they were easier to understand. If you are visiting Japan, reading this will help you better appreciate the many temples and shrines you will probably visit.
December 24, 2007
A super guide for the understanding of the form and structure of traditional, historic Japanese architecture. Many diagrams of structures. Not lots of photos - but the illustrations of construction techniques, plans, sections and elevations give a different perspective than the plentiful picture books of Japanese architecture.
February 8, 2013
Answers the question of the title admirably.
December 30, 2016
This really is my first and best of Japanese Architecture guide I've read so far. It doesn't go in depth in each topic, but easy to understand...(and this is why I regard it as the best). And when you understand all the basic information quite well, it's not difficult to understand further information you may read in any other books in the future.The illustrations are stunning and admirable.
I strongly recommend this to everyone with interest in Japanese architecture. It will certainly gives you a good start.
I strongly recommend this to everyone with interest in Japanese architecture. It will certainly gives you a good start.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews