shichimen-zukuri　七面造

KEY WORD :　architecture / shrines

A style of Shinto Shrine architecture originating in the Edo period, similar to the sengen style *sengen-zukuri 浅間造. It is thought by some that the name is derived from the seven-faced bodhisattva, shichimen bosatsu 七面菩薩, revered by the *Nichiren 日蓮 sect of Buddhism, However, according to others, the name is based on the fact that seven Shinto deities, Shichimen daimyoujin 七面大明神, are enshrined within. Its uniqueness lies in the turret-like addition placed on top of the lower story roof. It is a small 2-bay structure with false dormers *chidorihafu 千鳥破風, in the front and back, forming a pyramidal style roof *hougyou-zukuri 宝形造. The eaves are shaped by undulating bargeboards. In plan it suggests a cross that is 3 x 2 bays, with a 1-bay deep step-canopy *kouhai 向拝, front and center, and a 1-bay extension exactly opposite the rear side. Visitors approach the entrance on the front side from the step-canopy which has an undulating gable *karahafu 唐破風. The roof is hip-and-gable *irimoya-zukuri 入母屋造. There is a shallow unrailed veranda surrounding the building on all sides, including the rear wing.

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