Katōmado

, also written , is a style of pointed arch or bell-shaped window found in Japanese architecture.In English, this type of window is also simply called " cusped window". It first arrived in Japan from China together with Zen Buddhism, as an element of Zen style architecture, but from the end of the 16th century it started to be used in temples of other Buddhist sects, Shinto shrines, castles, and samurai residences as well. The window initially was not flared, but its design and shape changed over time: the two vertical frames were widened and curves were added at the bottom. The ''kanji'' characters used for its name have also changed through the centuries, from the original "fire window" to "flower head window".

The oldest extant example of ''katōmado'' can be found in Engaku-ji's ''Shariden'' (Relic Hall)This hall was moved to its current location in 1563.(source: ) The original is believed to have been built sometime between the late 14th century and the mid 15th century.(source: ) in Kamakura, which is thought to closely follow the original style as it was introduced to Japan, with the vertical frames touching the bottom in straight lines. Another well-known example can be found in the room called in the Main Hall at Ishiyama-dera, Shiga prefecture. For this reason, ''katōmado'' are also known as .

See also

* Glossary of Shinto

Notes

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Katomado
Japanese Buddhist architecture
Shinto architecture
Windows