Katōmado (火灯窓,lit. fire light window), also written as (花頭窓・華頭窓,lit. flower top window), is a style of pointed arch or bell-shaped window found inJapanese architecture.[note 1] It first arrived in Japan fromChina together withZen Buddhism,[1] as an element ofZen style architecture, but from the end of the 16th century it started to be used in temples of otherBuddhist sects,Shinto shrines,castles, andsamurai residences as well.[2] The window initially was not flared, but its design and shape changed over time: the two vertical frames were widened and curves were added at the bottom.[2] Thekanji characters used for its name have also changed through the centuries, from the original "fire window" to "flower head window".[3]
The oldest extant example ofkatōmado can be found inEngaku-ji'sShariden (Relic Hall)[note 2] inKamakura, which is thought to closely follow the original style as it was introduced to Japan, with the vertical frames touching the bottom in straight lines.[2] Another well-known example can be found in the room called Genji-no-ma (源氏の間) in theMain Hall atIshiyama-dera,Shiga prefecture. For this reason,katōmado are also known asgenjimado (源氏窓,Genji window).
^In English, this type of window is also simply called "cusped window".
^This hall was moved to its current location in 1563.(source:壽則, 河村; 英幸, 高島 (February 2006)."Engakuji Shariden wo Rei to Shita Rekishiteki Kikōzōbutsu".Proceeding of the ... Architectural Research Meetings: Materials and Construction, Structures, Fire Safety, Environmental Engineering (76):189–192. Retrieved1 July 2010.) The original is believed to have been built sometime between the late 14th century and the mid 15th century.(source:"National Treasure Database of Japan (国指定文化財等データベース:各棟情報詳細)". Retrieved1 July 2010.)
