When it comes to ancient architecture, few structures can rival the timelessness and grandeur of Hōryūji Temple in Japan. Located in the city of Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, this Buddhist temple complex is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also holds the prestigious title of being the world's oldest surviving wooden structure. With its construction dating back to the 7th century, Hōryūji Temple stands as a testament to the remarkable architectural achievements of ancient Japan. So, what is the secret behind its enduring existence?
Table of Content
1. Hōryūji - one of the first Buddhist temples in Japan
2. Hinoki - the secrets behind Hōryūji's endurance
3. Build a 1000-year wooden structure - great skills of tree “reading”
Hōryūji - one of the first Buddhist temples in Japan
To better understand Hōryūji, it is important to grasp its historical context. Constructed in the 6th century, Hōryūji is among the earliest Buddhist temples in Japan and was established following the introduction of Buddhism from China through Korea. This arrival of Buddhism brought forth a level of sophistication that was a revelation for a developing country. The statues of Buddha, intricately carved and adorned with paintings often embellished with gold, along with the sacred scriptures, represented a significant shift in cultural and spiritual practices.
During that time, the ruling class debated whether to embrace this foreign religion. Eventually, a prominent advocate of Buddhism, Prince Shōtoku Taishi (574-622), emerged as a leader and undertook the construction of Hōryūji in 607. As Buddhism became synonymous with an advanced civilization, the establishment of Hōryūji was a momentous endeavor that embodied a new era, characterized by the passion and ambition of its creators.
Prince Shōtoku Taishi and Hōryūji Temple played a pivotal role in Japan's acceptance of Buddhism as a national religion and the pursuit of progressive social systems. Prince Shōtoku Taishi himself remains a figure shrouded in mystery, inspiring the imagination of many. Renowned for his extraordinary intellect (legend has it that he could hear ten people speaking simultaneously), he implemented advanced Chinese political systems, authored Japan's first constitutions, and established an administrative framework previously unseen. The accomplishments of Prince Shōtoku Taishi and the creation of Hōryūji Temple represent incredible feats that unfolded in ancient Japan, embodying miracles that are difficult to comprehend.
Hinoki - the secrets behind Hōryūji's endurance
Constructed in the year 607 AD, 法隆寺 (Horyuji) holds the esteemed title of being the world's oldest standing wooden structure. The remarkable aspect of its construction lies in the usage of 檜 (hinoki, Japanese cypress) which was approximately 2,000 years old when harvested. Astonishingly, the temple, standing for 1,300 years, continues to exhibit unwavering strength and resilience, even though the timber was felled more than a millennium ago.
Tsunekazu Nishioka, the revered late chief miyadaiku, played a pivotal role in the restoration of Hōryūji from 1934 to 1954. He said: “2000 year-old Japanese cypress is so robust yet resilient that it can maintain its great quality for another 2000 years, even after it’s cut down,” and that “people who initially build Horyuji in the 7th century knew about it. They knew that the building would last for another thousands of years, so they built it accordingly.”
The people of ancient times possessed an intense and profound longing for creations that could stand the test of time, almost reaching eternal existence. This unwavering determination transformed what seemed impossible into a tangible reality. Such indomitable spirit is evident in the awe-inspiring pyramids and the revered Hōryūji Temple.
Build a 1000-year wooden structure - great skills of tree “reading”
The construction of an extraordinary creation like Hōryūji was not solely driven by will or ambition. It required a solid foundation of exceptional skills. One of the remarkable abilities possessed by the original builders of Hōryūji, according to Nishioka, was their capacity to "read" the wood.
Wood, as an organic material, poses challenges in construction due to its uneven and unpredictable nature. It is not just about considering the lengths, diameters, and ages of the wood. It also expands or shrinks based on moisture content, which continues to change even after its use. Furthermore, the growth direction of the tree relative to the Sun causes wood to bend in a specific direction. Varied growth rates affect the overall sturdiness. Moreover, the intended location for the lumber influenced its susceptibility to moisture and the potential for decay.
In addition to these complexities, the builders of Hōryūji did not have access to sawmills or tools capable of cutting wood in straight lines. Their tools were akin to a froe or shake axe, used for splitting or riving wood along the grain. This "rudimentary" approach necessitated extensive knowledge of the characteristics of the wood they were working with.
Each piece of lumber had to be carefully selected, taking into account all these factors. The builders could not tolerate any mistakes, as they could potentially lead to the collapse of the structure. The amount of information they had to process was immense. Moreover, due to limited transportation methods of that time, they had to work with the resources they had at hand.
Their profound expertise in interpreting the history and condition of each individual tree enabled them to construct a masterpiece that has survived for 1,300 years.
Unfortunately, as Nishioka points out, these exceptional skills in "reading" trees have been lost over time. It is said that there are now fewer than one hundred miyadaikus remaining in Japan.
While technology continues to advance and push the boundaries of what is possible, we are simultaneously losing the unique skills that once made countless achievements possible. Although we often assume that all skills can be replicated through technology, such certainty is not guaranteed. Techniques derived from human skill and craftsmanship possess a distinct beauty that machines and artificial technologies can only offer functionality, not aesthetic appeal.
Watch the below video and discover why Horyuji Temple was named as the oldest building in the world: