monzengou　門前郷

KEY WORD :　architecture / folk dwellings

A type of settlement of lesser officials and servants which developed around the precincts of great shrines and temples during the Heian and mediaeval periods. Unlike the *monzenmachi 門前町, which catered to the needs of pilgrims and visitors, the monzengou was part of the temple or shrine estate and accommodated the lesser officials and servants of the institution, and their families. Often the inhabitants had no right to sell or dispose of their plots freely, as these were inherited by mutual agreement with the shrine or temple, or provided as a grant. The monzengou which developed around Koufukuji 興福寺 and Toudaiji 東大寺 in Nara during the 11-12c are well-known examples. Also referred to as a shimengou 四面郷.

REFERENCES:

*shakemachi 社家町, *jinaimachi 寺内町

EXTERNAL LINKS:

NOTES:

(C)2001 Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System.　No reproduction or republication without written permission. 掲載のテキスト・写真・イラストなど、全てのコンテンツの無断複製・転載を禁じます。