Onigawara (鬼瓦;Japanese pronunciation:[o.ɲi.ɡaꜜ.wa.ɾa,-ŋaꜜ-],^[1]lit. 'ogre tile') are a type of roof ornamentation found inJapanese architecture. They are generally roof tiles or statues depicting anoni (ogre) or a fearsome beast.Onigawara were historically found onBuddhist temples, but are now used in many traditionally styled buildings. Some tiles may depict things besidesoni, but are still calledonigawara due to custom.

Prior to theHeian period, similar ornaments with floral and plant designs (hanagawara) preceded theonigawara.^[2] The present design is thought to have come from a previous architectural element, theoni-ita, which is a board painted with the face of anoni and was meant to stop roof leaks. During theNara period the tile was decorated with other motifs, but later it acquired distinct ogre-like features and became strongly tridimensional.^[3]

Oni depictions

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  From the ruins of the oldHoryu-ji Temple (8th century CE)
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  From the ruins ofHeian Palace (8th–13th century CE)
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  From the ruins of Shimotsuke Kokubun-ji Temple (8th–10th century CE)
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  From the ruins of Yahashira Shrine (1504 CE)
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  Jōdo-ji
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Other depictions

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  Cintamani
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  Kinchaku

• Chimera (architecture)
• Gargoyle
• Imperial roof decoration
• Japanese architecture
• Jisaburō Ozawa, an admiral nicknamed "Onigawara" by his men
• Shachihoko
• Shibi (roof tile)
• Shisa
• List of Traditional Crafts of Japan

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