Shitaya Shrine Craftsmanship

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Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

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Subtle Craftsmanship of Shitaya Shrine
下谷神社の唐破風と飾金具・小口金物

The Shitaya Shrine in Higashi-Ueno, Tokyo’s Taito Ward, caught my eye with its use of a curved gable called karahafu. This elegant architectural feature has been used on the roofs of Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and even Japanese castles since the late Heian period (794–1185), originally signifying prestige and importance.

Shitaya Shrine follows a more traditional design, using unpainted wood that is lightly decorated with bright metal fittings. These fittings, placed at the ends of rafters extending to the eaves and at the base of pillars, not only add visual interest but also help protect the structure from weathering.

I was particularly drawn to the long, narrow ornamental fittings nailed horizontally along the frame members. The golden accents contrast beautifully with the dark, aged wood, creating a harmonious balance between decoration and simplicity. Unlike more elaborate shrine embellishments, the metalwork here is used sparingly—enhancing the shrine’s elegance without feeling excessive.

Such fittings are often made of iron, copper, or gilt bronze. While they serve a decorative purpose, they also reinforce and protect structural elements, ensuring the longevity of the shrine’s intricate craftsmanship.

1. Timestamp: 14:32・2024/12/10

• Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
• ISO 160 for 1/30 sec. at ƒ/10
• Classic Chrome film simulation

2. Timestamp: 14:44・2024/12/10

• Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
• ISO 160 for 1/30 sec. at ƒ/3.6
• Astia/Soft film simulation

3. Timestamp: 14:45・2024/12/10

• Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
• ISO 160 for 1/30 sec. at ƒ/3.6
• Provia/Standard film simulation

References:

1. Google Maps: Shitaya Shrine・下谷神社
2. Wikipedia: Shitaya Shrine (Japanese)
3. JAANUS: Undulating Bargeboard Roof Design (English)
4. Wikipedia: Kara-hafu Curved Gable (English)
5. Wikipedia: Kara-hafu Curved Gable・唐破風 (Japanese)
6. JAANUS: Four-Legged Gate (English)
7. JAANUS: Ornamental Metal Fittings・飾金具 (English)
8. JAANUS: Metal Fittings・小口金物 (English)

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