A MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY ON MOUNTAIN MONASTERIES AT HIEIZAN ENRYAKUJI SANTŌ

Abstract

This paper discusses the morphological tendency of mountain monasteries at Hieizan-Enryakuji in the mid- and late Tokugawa period by surveying historical records archived in Eizan Library. A comparative verification of 18 monasteries reveals the existence of certain typologies in layouts and roof shapes, such that most monasteries had three-beam-span frontage layouts covered by gabled or hipped roofs with an additional stepped roof, or shikoro, along the perimeter of the main building. The paper also describes the typology’s relationship with the Kanbun 8 regulation. The knowledge derived is expected to elucidate the situation of the mountain-dwelling religious community in that period.