Back in Time to Old Japan

[Gnomey]

Great shots shinpachi!

 

[Shinpachi]

Thanks guys!

 

[Capt. Vick]

You can almost smell the oldness of the wood from your pictures Shinpachi! They are that heavy with "mood".

 

[Shinpachi]

Hello and Thanks for your comment, Capt.Vick!

My frank impression about our old temples and shrines is .....
I don't know which style you would be in favor but I wonder why they don't try repaint the columns periodically.
The building and the statues could have been much more colorful like original Chinese ones when they were brandnew.

When I visited a rebuilt ancient architecture in Nara City last year, it was still brandnew and very colorful in scarlet, white and green. I liked it but an old man beside me shouted "This is too colorful to worship!"

Attached photos are the rebuilt one I prefer.
Please try compare.
Thanks!

 

[Messy1]

Stunning buildings Shinpachi! Thanks for posting!

 

[Gnomey]

Nice shots Shinpachi!

 

[GrauGeist]

Great photos, Shinpachi!

Perhaps the older gentleman that didn't like the bright colors of the temple had become accostumed to the old, faded condition over the many years that he worshipped there, before it was restored?

 

[Shinpachi]

Thanks for your comments, Messy1, Gnomey and GG.

Yes, your understanding is correct GG. So did I till I checked original Chinese colorful architectures in Taipei, Taiwan twenty years ago.
Those brilliant colors overwhelmed me perfectly.

 

[mikewint]

Shinpachi, what is the large blue oval object in your last picture Post #284?

 

[Shinpachi]

A good point, Mike
This is of ourse a sort of accessory to make the building look luxurious but its actual role is to hide the rivet which connects the handrail and the prop.
Thanks for the nice question

 

[mikewint]

What a beautiful way to do that, very creative, true functional art

 

[Shinpachi]

Thanks Mike. Here are more

 

[mikewint]

now that I see an entire line of them it make more sense. As I said true functional art

 

[Shinpachi]

That decoration is called "Hohju" which means a precious stone. If my memory is correct, including the metal work surrounding it, that symbolizes flame which avoids demons.

Attached photo also shows an original state of Hohju though its gold plate has been faded away.
Thanks.

 

[Shinpachi]

Quick research on Google tells The Hohju avoids demons and makes your wish come true.
I've got wiser! Thanks.

 

[mikewint]

Thank you so much Shinpachi, makes me want more and more to return to your beautiful country

 

[Shinpachi]

I'll be waiting for you, Mike!

Since I started researching about 'Hohju', even a fire alarm lamp looks it
Yes, it has quite similar atmosphere.

 

[evangilder]

Neat stuff. I found a DVD a while back that I watched last night called "Japan's War, in color". It has all color footage, most of it from Japan with a lot of real rare film as well. It was neat to see Osaka and other places in 1937. It was an interesting glimpse into old time Japan. I have been enjoying this thread and watching the DVD last night added more to my look at Japan. Technology has helped make the world a smaller place.

 

[Shinpachi]

I agree. Language difference was a big obstacle for the peoples to understand each other but the digital technology and the internet have made it much smaller with tons of videos! Thanks for your curiosity on our culture, Eric

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Thank you Shinpachi for the education.