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shibi@ιτ”φ
KEY WORD :@architecture / decorations
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Also written ιυ”φ, εo”φ, –Ž; also called tobi-no-o ιτ‚Μ”φ, kutsugata ŒBŒ`, (lit. shoes tile) because it is thought to resemble proto-modern shoes. A type of roof ornament used on the main ridge *oomune ‘哏, of temple and palace architecture. It resembles the tail of an animal, but its origin is not known. It is believed to protect a building against fire. It was widely used in China, and was popular in Japan in the Asuka and Hakuhou periods (552-710). Shibi are traditionally made of tile and the oldest surviving example in Japan is found on the west side of the Kondou ‹ΰ“° at Toushoudaiji “‚΅’ηŽ›, in Nara. It dates from the 8c. There is an unusual use of shibi at Nankoubou “μŒυ–V Betsuguu •Κ‹{, in Ehime prefecture, where they were placed on corner ridges *sumikudarimune ‹χ~“, and on the off-spring ridges, *chigomune ’tŽ™“, of the main hall *hondou –{“°. The popularity of shibi waned by the end of the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Later shibi were made of a wooden frame covered with a sheet of copper. A few stone shibi also exist. One variations includes the fish-shaped *shachi ιΝ.
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Toudaiji Kondou “Œ‘εŽ›‹ΰ“° (Nara)

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NOTES
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(C)2001 Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System.@No reproduction or republication without written permission.
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