This is the ossuary of Chorakuji Temple, a Jodo Shinshu sect in Kagawa. The building is a yosemune structure with a tiled roof, similar in appearance to the traditional construction method, but without horizontal beams, and new wooden structures have been devised, such as overlapping rafters and braces to support the main building. In addition, natural zelkova wood is used for the ridge posts supporting the ridge, and the floor and shelves of the inner sanctuary are filled with lotus flowers painted by Hideki Kimura, creating a gorgeous space not seen in conventional ossuaries. Another feature of the building is the use of joints, fittings, and dowels to join the various components, reducing the use of hardware.

Japan | Kagawa

Shinkenchiku August 2010 issue 190P