The Tectonics of Japanese Style

Abstract

U tntil recently, wooden architecture of modern period and role of carpenter in development of modern Japanese architecture 28 have not been carefully studied.' The literature on late nineteenthand early twentieth-century architecture has tended to emphasize two important concerns: first, genesis of a newly imported Western architectural profession and its developmental progress on Japanese soil; and second, transformative effects of this new profession that involved mastery of Western building technology and what has been called the problem of style.2 However, in broader built environment of Meiji Japan, there was no abrupt break with building practices of premodern Japan. Meiji-era construction was overwhelmingly executed by carpenters using methods and materials not unlike those used in late Edo period (1600-1868). In both public and private sectors during first half of Meiji period, master carpenter and architect were parallel and even rival professionals working in similar capacities but in different materials. Traditionally trained master carpenters acted not only as craftsmen, but as design professionals and equivalent of structural engineers. They continued to have an important role even in construction of national monuments as long as Meiji government's K6bush6, or Department of Construction, sponsored traditional wood construction.