Kugikakushi (Nail Head Cover) and Funahijiki (Boat‐Shaped Bracket Arm) in Boki‐e

Abstract

Abstract In our examination of Boki‐e, we identified the characteristics of the horizontal elements by focusing on the nail head covers and boat‐shaped bracket arms, and we analyzed the pictorial representation of these characteristics. As a result, we found that in a number of cases, the vertical elements, painted in different ways, were supporting the ridge directly (i.e., base‐to‐ridge posts) without being separated at the joint with the horizontal elements. We believe that it is safe to assume that the houses painted in Boki‐e represent those that existed in medieval Japan. Therefore, we conclude that there indeed were buildings with the base‐to‐ridge post structures at that time.

Keywords

• fukinuki yatai
• uchinori nageshi (beams above doors/windows)
• nokigeta (eave purlins)
• katafuta (ornamental column/beam)
• jikubu (supporting part)
• munamochibashira (base‐to‐ridge post)