15.1 Castle architecture and decorative arts

The Azuchi-Momoyama period saw a major shift in castle architecture. Castles transformed from purely defensive structures to symbols of power and prestige, showcasing the wealth of feudal lords through innovative designs and decorative features.

The tenshu, or castle keep, became the centerpiece of these grand structures. Azuchi Castle, built by Oda Nobunaga, set new standards with its seven-story tenshu and lavish interiors. Himeji Castle, with its elegant white exterior, exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese castle design.

Castle Architecture

Development and Characteristics of Castles in the Azuchi-Momoyama Period

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• Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600) marked a significant shift in castle architecture
• Castles transformed from primarily defensive structures to symbols of power and prestige
• Incorporated innovative architectural elements and decorative features to showcase the wealth and authority of the ruling daimyo (feudal lords)
• Castles became the center of political, economic, and cultural activities in their respective domains

Tenshu (Castle Keep) as the Central Feature

• Tenshu, the central tower or castle keep, emerged as the most prominent and iconic feature of Azuchi-Momoyama period castles
• Served as the residence of the daimyo and their family, as well as a command center during times of conflict
• Often multi-storied structures with multiple roofs, exhibiting a distinct architectural style
• Incorporated defensive elements such as stone walls, moats, and narrow windows for archers

Azuchi Castle: A Pioneering Example

• Azuchi Castle, constructed by Oda Nobunaga in 1576, set a new standard for castle architecture in Japan
• Featured a magnificent tenshu that stood seven stories tall, showcasing Nobunaga's power and ambition
• Employed innovative techniques such as the use of stone walls and a complex system of moats and gates for defense
• Interior of the tenshu was lavishly decorated with gold leaf, paintings, and intricate carvings, symbolizing Nobunaga's wealth and refined taste

Himeji Castle: The Epitome of Japanese Castle Architecture

• Himeji Castle, also known as the "White Heron Castle" due to its elegant white exterior, is considered one of the finest examples of Japanese castle architecture
• Constructed in its current form in the early 17th century, incorporating earlier fortifications from the Azuchi-Momoyama period
• Features a complex network of 83 buildings, with the main keep (tenshu) standing six stories tall
• Showcases advanced defensive features such as a maze-like system of paths, gates, and walls to confuse and deter attackers
• Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, recognizing its exceptional architectural and historical value

Interior Design and Decorative Arts

Shoin-zukuri: The Prevalent Architectural Style

• Shoin-zukuri emerged as the dominant architectural style for castle interiors and high-status residences during the Azuchi-Momoyama period
• Characterized by the use of square pillars, tatami mat flooring, and the incorporation of decorative elements such as alcoves (tokonoma) and staggered shelves (chigaidana)
• Influenced by the design of Zen Buddhist monasteries and the spaces used for tea ceremonies
• Provided a more intimate and refined setting compared to the grand and imposing exterior of the castles

Fusuma: Sliding Door Panels as Canvas for Artistic Expression

• Fusuma, the sliding door panels used to partition rooms in shoin-zukuri interiors, became a canvas for artistic expression
• Often decorated with paintings, calligraphy, or intricate designs, fusuma added visual interest and reflected the taste and status of the occupants
• Renowned artists such as Kanō Eitoku and Hasegawa Tōhaku were commissioned to create masterpieces on fusuma panels
• The use of fusuma allowed for flexibility in the arrangement of interior spaces, adapting to the needs of various occasions and seasons

Byōbu: Folding Screens as Decorative and Functional Elements

• Byōbu, the folding screens, served both decorative and functional purposes in Azuchi-Momoyama period interiors
• Used to divide spaces, provide privacy, or create a backdrop for important occasions and ceremonies
• Often adorned with paintings depicting landscapes, birds, flowers, or narrative scenes from literature and history
• The most famous example is the "Screens of Scenes In and Around Kyoto" by Kanō Eitoku, showcasing the grandeur of the capital city

Gilded Folding Screens: Opulence and Grandeur

• Gilded folding screens, known as kinbyōbu, became a symbol of wealth and power during the Azuchi-Momoyama period
• Created by applying gold leaf to the surface of the screen and then decorating it with paintings or designs
• The use of gold leaf added a sense of opulence and grandeur to the interior spaces
• Gilded folding screens were often used as a backdrop for important ceremonies, such as the reception of guests or the display of treasured objects

Foreign Influences

Namban Art: The Impact of European Encounters

• Namban art refers to the artistic style that emerged in Japan as a result of the encounter with European traders and missionaries during the late 16th and early 17th centuries
• The term "namban" means "southern barbarians," referring to the Portuguese and Spanish who arrived in Japan from the south
• Namban art often depicted the exotic appearance and customs of the Europeans, such as their clothing, ships, and religious practices
• Techniques such as linear perspective, shading, and the use of oil paints were introduced to Japanese artists through this cultural exchange
• Famous examples of namban art include the "Namban Screens" by Kanō Naizen, which depict the arrival of Portuguese ships and the interaction between Europeans and Japanese people
• The influence of namban art can be seen in various mediums, including folding screens, lacquerware, and ceramics, showcasing the fascination and curiosity towards the foreign cultures
• While the impact of namban art was relatively short-lived due to the subsequent isolationist policies of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868), it left a lasting impression on Japanese art and culture, reflecting a brief period of openness and cultural exchange.