Bamboo Fences

Bamboo Fences Isao Yoshikawa With photographs by Osamu Suzuki

PRINCETON ARCHITECTURAL PRESS NEW YORK

ginkakuji Fence The ginkakuji fence takes its name from the famous Zen temple in Kyoto, also known as Jishoji, built in 1474. The fence there tops a stone wall in the outer grounds on the approach to the temple from the main gate. Though there are some technical differences in construction, the ginkakuji fence, usually made with two horizontal support poles, is

very similar to a low Kenninji fence, and today low versions of the latter are generally called ginkakuji fences. Resting on walls of stone or earth, this type of bamboo fence is perhaps the most beautiful of all.

The original ginkakuji fence, made of madake bamboo Jishoji Temple, Kyoto

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A ginkakuji fence that is almost identical to the original Shofukuro, Yokaichi

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unusual ginkakuji fence along a slope Honenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;in Temple, Kyoto

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The original ginkakuji fence, atop a stone wall Jishoji Temple, Kyoto

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Unique Fences Unique fences have been designed by a landscape architect to fit a particular garden. Most of these are constructed by adding a modern touch to a traditional bamboo fence style. The most common model is the Kenninji fence; its vertical pieces can be rearranged horizontally or diagonally and attached to support poles. Designers often give their

creations an original name. Two well-known unique fences are the aboshi-gaki (net-drying fence) and the moji-gaki (letter fence).

A bold unique fence with a design reminiscent of swirls of clouds Ryoginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an, Kyoto

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A unique fence modeled after bolts of lightning Ryoginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an, Kyoto

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Bamboo Fences

Published on May 16, 2011

PA Press

Bamboo has always played an important role in Japanese daily life, and the versatile plant has been used for numerous purposes ranging from food, garden design, and furniture to cooking utensils. Among its applications in the garden and home is its use as a raw material for fences and partitions. Indeed, in Japan bamboo fence building has become an art form, and endless varieties of bamboo fences exist, from simple picket designs to elaborate fences woven with Bamboo branches. This wide range of fence designs has its origin partly in the full development of the tea ceremony during the sixteenth century, when elegant bamboo fences became important elements of tea ceremony gardens. Bamboo partitions were also used in Zen temples, and from there spread to ordinary homes. Many fence styles are named for the temple in which the first of their kind was build.