3-4. Nikko Tosho-gu - Corrective Maintenance

Background of Nikko Tosho-gu

Nikko Tosho-gu in Japan. It is a temple for Shogun (General) Tokugawa Ieyasu. General unity Japan in 1603 and ended the period of warring states. After his death, people built up the temple where his eternal resting place was. In Japan, it is common that powerful leaders were posthumously apotheosized and worshiped as tutelary deities. This temple is not only a place of prayer but also a symbol of a country's ruler resting place. Because of its importance, from the very beginning of the construction of this temple, the builder had thought of the subsequent preservation method, that is, to leave the most detailed sketches including painting, engraving design drawings, construction methods, etc. These are all contributed to the subsequent preservation. In the beginning, Toshogu was not what we familiar with nowadays. After it was completed in 1617, the style was not as magnificent as it is now, or even plain. However, in 1634-1635, the three generations of General Tokugawa Iemitsu ordered to reconstruct the temple into now that everyone was familiar with it. The very first restoration began in 1654 and since then there is always has restoration work every 20 years. 28

In 1879, due to the new Meiji government budget issue, they can not support the repair funds of Toshogu. As a result, Toshogu was unable to carry out regular maintenance, as usual, therefore local private volunteers started to form "Hokoukai" to help Toshogu. This organization later became the "Nikko Shrine Cultural Preservation Association"( 日光社寺文化保存協会 ) which is now mainly responsible for the affairs of Nikko Toshogu.

From its completion to the present, Toshogu has undergone 19 times restoration. Among those repaired, the Showa and Heisei restoration is the large-scale repairs. In 2019, Heisei restoration finally came to an end. With sufficient knowledge and technology, the temple was finally able to be presented to the public in a complete appearance and allowing the temple to be preserved and revitalized. Nikkō Tōshō-gū has kept its original functions from the beginning to the present and even preserved all the materials of the temple itself. It has achieved complete preservation and restoration, giving new life and maintaining its original appearance. In terms of space, without destroying the temple building itself, large-scale events such as weddings and prayers will also be held. It is in line with the modern without destroying its cultural and traditional meaning.

Site Plan of Nikko Toshogu

Toshogu Site Plan Redrawall by Hungche Cho, According to the data from “ 日光宮建造物装飾文様調査報告 ”

Gohonja Floor Plan Redrawall by Hungche Cho, According to the data from “ 修理工事報告書 2013”

Nikko Tosho-gu Restoration

Most of the buildings in Toshogu were rebuilt in 1636. There are 55 buildings in the Toshogu. In 1999, the Toshogu complex was officially registered as a World Cultural Heritage. According to the website of UNESCO "The site continues to function today as a place of religious rituals and other activities which maintain its traditions, both physically and spiritually. The site has suffered from natural disasters (e.g. fire, falling trees, and earthquakes) over the centuries. Each time, the damaged building was restored faithfully, following rigorously the original plans and techniques, using the original materials whenever possible with attention and care to the preservation of colouring, materials and decorative works." 29 From the above description, it can be clearly understood that in terms of the preservation and restoration of Toshogu, Japan has always achieved a high level of authenticity and integrity.

1)Showa Restoration 1950-1986 2)Heisei Restoration 2013-2019

According to the official website of Nikko Toshogu, in the two major restorations, the Showa Major Restoration included repair work on 40 buildings. Although the restoration work was completed in 1986, the follow-up maintenance and repair work continued until 2002. The second Heisei Restoration focuses on the two main buildings of Toshogu, the Gohonja ( 御本社 ) and Yangmingmen ( 陽明門 ).30

From the 1967 Maintenance Report of the Cultural Assets Preservation Committee of Nikko Two Shrines and One Temple( 日光二社一寺文化財保存委員会 ), it described in detail the preservation and maintenance attitude since the Kanei reconstruction in 1636 to later generations. "These repairs were mainly renewals of lacquerware, coloring, and finishing of decorative metal fittings, but sometimes there were roof re-roofing, rotten wood repairs, and even radical dismantling repairs." 31

Origin of Toshogu before the reconstruction 1636 Credit: 狩野探幽

Based on the information from the official restoration report, there are six steps to repair the building.30

1. Investigation/Record Investigation Make a record of the current situation and draw a sketch. 2. Base preparation (clothing) After removing the old paint, apply a cloth with lacquer on the entire surface to prevent cracking of the wood. 3. Placement The pattern is lively with paint 4. Gold leaf stamping (lacquer leaf) Gold leaf is applied to the patterns, etc. 5. Coloring Color with natural mineral pigments 6. Topcoat Use a wooden spatula to squeeze the lacquer and brush it. And these processes could vary due to different purposes.

From the report, Japan recorded every detail about the processes and the reasons. The restoration report here is not only a record but also an important source of information for future maintenance and repair, so that future generations can fully understand the restoration process and changes in each period. This is also a major focus of why Toshogu can carry out such a complete restoration and protection. In this chapter, the Gohonja ( 御本社 ) included haiden、honden、ishi-no-ma will be the focus of the analysis, with other symbolic architectural elements of the other building in Toshogu.

The repairing processes of Gohonja Credit: 日光東照宮ホームページ

Skin

The architectural style and form of Toshogu corresponded to the general’s preferences during his lifetime. The architectural style and sculptures were deeply influenced by the Tang Dynasty in China. According to the investigation report of the Cultural Assets Preservation Committee of Nikko Two Shrines and One Temple( 日光二社一寺文化財保存委員会 ), there are a total of 5173 sculptures in Toshogu. Carved on the theme of Chinese gods and myths, honden occupies 2,468. Each carving has its meaning. Most of them are praying for peace and prosperity.

Take the "Sleeping Cat", one of the national treasure sculptures of Toshogu as an example. The sleeping cat represents a peaceful and prosperous world where even a vigilant cat can fall asleep. There is another statue of a sparrow playing behind the sleeping cat. It means that the weak can play with peace of mind in such a peaceful environment. Another national treasure sculpture "Three Wise Monkeys", the meaning he represents comes from the Analects written by Confucius Analects of Confucius, "Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety." 32 After being introduced to Japan, it became "mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru," which means "see no evil, hear no devil, and say no evil."

In hoden, there are a huge number of tapirs( 貘 ) in many sculptures. The reason is that according to the description of the Chinese poet Bai Juyi, this creature likes to eat copper and iron. At that time, most of the weapons were made of casting. Therefore, engraving the membrane of this creature here means praying for everlasting peace.

In terms of restoration, each period of restoration will redraw the sketch, and repeatedly test the correctness of the color and shape in the actual operation. The color, gold leaf, shape, etc. of the engraved surface are all carried out following the original draft. During the process, a restorer will have multiple senior restorers to check, and each repair is carried out with rigorous procedures and methods. And when necessary, such as wood decay, etc., it will also be replaced. With the progress of the times, it will also be repaired with modern instruments, such as X-ray scanners. The colors and sculptures of the building facades of Toshogu have profound implications and have a profound and lasting impact on visitors both visually and culturally. And that is part of the reason why Japan must have more stringent requirements for preservation. Maintaining the same appearance precisely the way they preserve their traditions.

Front Gate of Main Hall Credit: 日光東照宮、御朱印

Three Wise Monkey Credit: 日光東照宮, 公益財団法人日光社寺文化財保存会 Back Side of Main Hall Credit: 日光東照宮、御朱印

Tapirs 貘 Credit: 日光東照宮, 公益財団法人日光社寺文化財保存会

Structure

The architectural structure of Main Hall Gohonja ( 御本社 ) is a traditional Japanese architectural style called Gongen-zukuri. A gongen is a Shinto kami considered to be an avatar or manifestation of the Buddha. The style was named for Nikko Toshogu, where Tosho Daigongen (Tokugawa Ieyasu). This style incorporates the worship hall haiden ( 拝殿 ) and main sanctuary honden ( 本殿 ) under a single, complex roof. The roof is hip-and-gable style irimoya-zukuri ( 入母屋造 ) are connected by an intermediate space called the ai-no-ma ( 相の間 ) or ishi-no-ma ( 石の間 ), with the roof ridge of this space running perpendicular to the other roofs so that they form an I or an inverted T shape when viewed from above. Toshogu is composed of haide, ishi-no-ma, and honden. The haiden has wings with slightly lower roof heights attached to the left and right sides. 33

Of the repairs to Toshogu during the Edo period(1603-1868), the ones that attracted particular attention were the roof repairment in 1654. The traditional cypress bark roof was remodeled into a copper plate tile roof, which was a big repair even in the Edo period. The reason may be due to economic considerations or problems such as preventing water leakage. 31

When it comes to structural restoration, because the building structure is made of wood, it is affected by long-term moisture and natural disasters. It must be replaced regularly to ensure the safety of the building. When the structure is being repaired, woodworking repair experts' will do the evaluation, and replacement or repair will be carried out according to the condition of the wood. Due to budget and safety considerations, most of the time will not be repaired as a whole. Instead, partial dismantle and replacement will be judged based on the severity of wood decay.

Gongen-zukuri Structure Credit: Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion Section of haiden Credit: 修理工事報告書 2013

Space

The space configuration of Gohonja ( 御本社 ) is divided into three parts as mentioned earlier, the worship hall haiden ( 拝殿 ), intermediate space ishi-no-ma ( 石の间 ), and main sanctuary honden ( 本殿 ). Heisei Restoration 2013-2019 during this maintenance overall restoration was carried out. In the haiden, there are two spaces on the left and right sides, Hōshin'nō chakuza-kan( 法 親王着座間 ) and Shōgun chakuza-kan( 将軍着座間 ). Hōshin'nō chakuza-kan represents local lords' seating room, and Shōgun chakuza-kan represents the room where the descendants of the Tokugawa general stayed. Ishi-no-ma, if taken literally, can be translated into a stone room, but in reality, it is composed of tatami mats. The reason why it is called ishi-no-ma is that its original place is paved with stone slabs. The last honden is also the place where the spirit body of Tokugawa Ieyasu is placed. It constitutes a three-story space composed of outer formations Heiden( 幣殿 ), inner formations Naijin( 内陣 ) and inner-inner formations nainaijin ( 内々陣 ). This space is generally only open for ceremonies, and under normal circumstances, even the priests of the host palace are forbidden to enter.

The Gohonja is the most important building in the entire Toshogu, so its interior is also particularly gorgeous and important. Various sculptures and portraits fill the room, and the pillars and ceiling of the structure are also decorated with many sculptures and gold leaves. Take the ceiling as an example. The paintings are full of different Chinese mythological creatures, Phoenix and Luan, both of which represent a symbol of peace. In terms of space, after being rebuilt in 1636, this is the place where the spirit body of Tokugawa Ieyasu is located. Because of its importance, it can be said to be the place with the least changes in the buildings in the Toshogu. Only thorough restoration and maintenance have been carried out.

Interior of Haiden Credit: 日光東照宮、御朱印

Interior space of Shogun chakuza-kan Credit: 日光東照宮、御朱印 Entrance of Honden Credit: 日光東照宮、御朱印

Celling of ishi-no-ma Credit: 日光東照宮、御朱印

Summary

Since its reconstruction in 1636, Toshogu has always maintained its original appearance and function. It has maintained its integrity even after a long period of time and natural disasters, thanks to the unremitting spirit and hard work of the Japanese. In this case, the corrective maintenance method was successfully implemented. Toshogu’s architectural preservation is not just to preserve it and only for people to watch. Toshogu protects not only the mausoleum of Japanese generals but religious sites for worship and prayer. Its architecture has important meanings in Japan both historically and culturally. Under such a premise, it is possible to understand why architectural restoration and preservation are important to Toshogu, rather than using other design approaches to revitalize the space. Maintaining tradition is the first consideration in Toshogu, and how to preserve its spirit and its meaning in the case of Toshogu, Japan chooses to preserve and restore.

Yangmingmen 陽明門 Photo Credit: Ko Hon Chiu Vincent