ALLEN MEMORIAL ART MUSEUM 29 Ishikawa Toyonobu 石川豊信 (Japanese, 1711–1785) HowtoBuilda Townhouse, Vol. 1 (Kyōkun kisō ehon hana nomidori 教訓奇草繪本花農綠), 1763 Woodblock printed book Oberlin College Libraries, Terrell Special Collections This handy guidebook for general readers shows the steps in building an urban townhouse, fromdesigning, to installing the central pillar, to stone carving for the foundation, to erecting the frame and, seen here, laying roof tiles. Although thatching was the main roofingmaterial in the countryside and was fully renewable, in the cities thatch was too dangerous because it was so flammable. Fire was a serious threat in cities with primarily wooden architecture. Wooden shingles or boards made safer roofs, but if you could afford ceramic tiles they were the best. Extremely durable, ceramic roof tiles were often salvaged and reused. After TosaMitsuoki 土佐光起 (Japanese, 1617–1691) Carpenters, early 20th century Color woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper Gift of SadamotoKawano (OC 1938), 1938.36 Japanese carpentry is one of the world’s most respected woodworking traditions, admired for its practical designs, economy of materials, skilled craftsmanship, and beauty. To become a carpenter in the Edo period required a long period of apprenticeship, and the business was both specialized and stratified. In Edo, carpenters were organized into guilds that helped to organize projects, arrange for supplies, settle disputes, and take care of members in emergencies. Here an elite carpenters’ workshop prepares the frame for a Shinto shrine, which is shown in elevation on the drawing in the background. Many different saws, chisels, planes, mallets, and measuring tools are visible. In the foreground, a senior carpenter, assisted by a younger apprentice, is about to snap a chalked string to lay out a chalk line for cutting. In the center, another man uses an adze to make a rough cut on a beam that will be carefully shaped into a groove for joinery. The most senior carpenter sits at the left, carefully examining a board for any defects. Another figure carries a tray of food on their head—either a religious offering or lunch. In the background an apprentice catches a quick nap.
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