Thekara-mon orkara-kado (唐門) is a type ofgate seen inJapanese architecture. It is characterized by the usage ofkara-hafu, an undulatingbargeboard peculiar to Japan.Kara-mon are often used at the entrances ofJapanese castles,Buddhist temples andShinto shrines, and have historically been a symbol of authority.
Althoughkara (唐) can be translated as meaning "China" or "Tang", this type of roof with undulating bargeboards first appeared in Japan during the lateHeian period.[1] It was named thus because the wordkara was associated by the Japanese with any type of ornate architecture regardless of origin.[2] Thekarahafu developed during theHeian period and is shown inpicture scrolls to decorate gates, corridors, andpalanquins. The oldest existingkarahafu is found atHōryū-ji temple.[1]
Initially, thekara-hafu was used only in temples and aristocratic gateways, but starting from the beginning of theAzuchi–Momoyama period, it became an important architectural element in the construction of adaimyō's mansions and castles. Thekara-mon entrance was reserved for theshōgun during hisonari visits to the retainer, or for the reception of the emperor at shogunate establishments. A structure associated with these social connections naturally imparted special meaning.[3]
Kara-mon would later become a means to proclaim the prestige of a building and functioned as a symbol of both religious and secular architecture.[4] In theTokugawa shogunate, thekara-mon gates were a powerful symbol of authority reflected in architecture.[5]
Mukai-kara-mon (向唐門) is the most common form ofkara-mon, and features twokara-hafu at the front and back of the gate. This type of gate may incorporate akara-hafu in the middle of the roof, or the entire gable itself may be a curved structure.[6]
Hira-kara-mon (平唐門) are distinguished with twokara-hafu on the left and right sides of the gate. This type of gate was originally used at palaces, and was once calledmiyuki-mon (御幸門).[7]
Kara-yotsu-ashi-mon (唐四脚門, "Four-legged gate") is an ornate style ofkara-mon that features four undulating gables on all sides of the gate. A good example of this type of gate can be found atNikkō Tōshō-gū. Thiskara-mon is decorated with 611 sculptures, including theSeven Lucky Gods and theEight Immortals.[8]
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