are a type of roof ornamentation found in Japanese architecture. They are generally roof tiles or statues depicting an oni (ogre) or a fearsome beast. Onigawara were historically found on Buddhist temples, but are now used in many traditionally styled buildings. Some tiles may depict things besides oni, but are still called onigawara due to custom.
History Prior to the Heian period, similar ornaments with floral and plant designs (hanagawara) preceded the onigawara."onigawara 鬼瓦." JAANUS. Retrieved on June 12, 2009. The present design is thought to have come from a previous architectural element, the oni-ita, which is a board painted with the face of an oni and was meant to stop roof leaks. During the Nara period the tile was decorated with other motifs, but later it acquired distinct ogre-like features and became strongly tridimensional.DeAgostini Kodera/Butsuzō DVD series, Hōryū-ji issue's pamphlet
Gallery Oni depictions
Other depictions
See also Chimera (architecture) Gargoyle Imperial roof decoration Japanese architecture Jisaburō Ozawa, an admiral nicknamed "Onigawara" by his men Shachihoko Shibi (roof tile) Shisa List of Traditional Crafts of Japan
Notes
References
Parent, Mary Neighbour. (2003). Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System.
External links