Japan has such a rich history and culture that it’s not surprising to find this reflected in its structures. While touring everything from temples to gardens, I was simply amazed at the amount of attention paid to the smallest details. For example, #3 shows the preciseness of the corners on Ninna-ji, a temple built in 888 AD, and the rows of the nearby rock garden. Natural elements are represented not only in structural materials, but also in colors like ornate golds and mossy greens.
(left to right, top to bottom) 1. Aqueduct – Kyoto, 2. Fragile iron – Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima; 3. Corners pointing to rows – Ninna-ji, Kyoto; 4. Green lanterns – Nara; 5. Castle layers – Himeji-jō, Himeji; 6. Contrasting chunks and stripes – Eikan-dō, Kyoto.
(left to right, top to bottom) 7. Golden fusuma and lilies – Daikaku-ji, Kyoto; 8. Gilded entry – Nijō-jō, Kyoto; 9. Tunnel of orange – Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto; 10. Winding staircase – Eikan-dō, Kyoto; 11. Glistening Buddha- Ninna-ji, Kyoto; 12. Eaveslocking – Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto.
Tags: color, inspiration, Japan, structural