Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
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Japan Cultural Expo
beyond2020
The Japanese Craft Expo 2022

Traditional Roof Tiling

Honkawara-buki refers to the traditional Japanese tiled roofs
that use a mixture of concave and convex tiles.
Achieving the graceful curves requires discernment and talent.

Society for the Preservation
of Traditional
Japanese Roof-Tiling Skills

 Designated in 2007 

Yamamoto Kawara Kogyo K.K.362
Tanida-cho, Ikoma-shi, Nara.630-0251

http://dentoukawara.com/

Kawara-buki style roofs, using a mixture of concave and convex tiles, are often seen in Buddhist temples, castles, and other traditional structures in Japan. This traditional form of tiling, which requires a considerable degree of skill, provides good protection against the elements, in addition to producing beautifully curved eaves and roofs.

The Kannon-dō Pavillion at Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple.
The Kannon-dō Pavillion at Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple.
Laying a row of semi-cylindrical tiles (tonemaru-gawara)
Laying a row of semi-cylindrical tiles (tonemaru-gawara)
Laying tiles without any underlay (a technique called karabuki)
Laying tiles without any underlay (a technique called karabuki)
Roof tiling for a clay wall
Roof tiling for a clay wall
Aligning tiles
Aligning tiles