Hashira tsugi

Japanese Architecture

Japanese architecture has been known for its use of timber. No other country has used wood the way the Japanese does. “…woodworking been divided up into so many professions and specialist approaches [is what makes them different from other counties.]” Japanese architecture looks very unique and modern and the reason for this is because they use wood for what it is and does not alter it in any way. For example, for the most part, they do not stain the wood; they leave it to its natural colour. Wood was used more for its appearance and for the framing structure. They found that timber was a more suitable, strong and more lavish material. Wood was not only used for architectural buildings but for things such as utensils, shoes, combs, and to create heat. Wood was also used to make things such as boats, carts etc. Japanese architecture is very complicated and intricate when it comes down to looking at the architectural aspect of the design. Every single piece of joinery must be cut in a certain way in order for the next piece to fit. It is almost like a puzzle but three dimensional and more difficult to connect and make. The Column Splice (Hashira tsugi). It is a four faces gooseneck splice. The goosenecks are carves diagonally at a 45 degrees. There are two parts, the male and the female.

- Sophia Giang