Pagoda of Yasaka

Category

Library Item

Item no

16708

Title

Pagoda of Yasaka

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1912

Size

14.0 x 9.0 cm

Type

Photograph; Postcard

Location

Art and Design Library

This pagoda is a famous landmark in the Higashiyama district in Kyoto. According to the temple chronicle, the original pagoda was built in 589 and was 46 metres high. Due to fires it was rebuilt several times, and the present pagoda on the postcard was rebuilt in 1440. Most of the traditional wooden buildings, especially religious ones such as temples, shrines and pagodas were constructed by interlocking sections rather than using nails. The advantages of wooden joint structures include less damage to the wood from corrosion caused by humidity or water coming through the nail hole. This building method is also effective against earthquakes because the combined woods can absorb the vibration. Nowadays, this method is only used for religious buildings, but it is still relevant to the earthquake-prone, Japan. For these reasons, Japanese traditional buildings like this pagoda have survived. The strong earthquake resilient design of pagoda has been applied to the super skyscrapers of Japan.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

People

Places > Asia > Japan

Religion > Religious facilities > Pagodas