An Examination of Japanese Color at Nikko Toshogu Shrines

摘要

Nikko Toshogu shrines are registered on UNESCO's World Heritage list and typify the Japanese architecture of temples and shrines. There are two types of color in Japan. One is "color in the sunlight"; the other is the "color under the moonlight". Nikko colors typify "color in the sunlight". Such color tone is vivid and brilliant. The other type of color is sometimes called "Wabi and Sabi" in Japan. These are low-keyed and calm colors. Nikko's color is represented by Gokusaishiki and golden coloring. Gokusaishiki is the assemblage of three or four pure colors, which gives us a strong impression. Most golden colorings are made from gold leaves and Japanese lacquer. Yomeimon is the most famous gate in Toshogu and it is decorated by Gokusaishiki and gold. This paper examines the use of Japanese color in Nikko's shrines.