Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 2.djvu/112

 and subdivided by ribs into small rectangular coffers; sometimes painting is introduced into these panels, and lacquer and metal clasps added to the ribs. When the temple is of very large dimensions, an interior peristyle of pillars is introduced to assist in supporting the roof, and in such cases each pillar carries profuse bracketing corresponding to that of the cornice. The construction of the framework of the Japanese roof is such that the weights all act vertically; there is no thrust on the outer walls, and every available point of the interior is used as a means of support. The floor is partly boarded and partly matted. The shrines, altars, and oblatory tables are placed at the back in the centre, and there are often other secondary shrines at the sides. Drums and bronze gongs are among the furniture which is always to be found in these temples. In those of the best class the floors of the gallery and of the central portion of the main building from entrance to altar are richly lacquered; in those of inferior class they are merely polished by continual rubbing.

These details, if somewhat technical, are thoroughly useful guides to the principal features of temple architecture in Japan. The mausolea are differently planned. They consist of three buildings en suite: an oratory, flanked on both sides by an antechamber; an interval room, and a sanctuary. There are two enclosures, the outer surrounded by a belt of cloisters, and the general scheme of decoration is on a much more elaborate and magnificent scale than that of the temples. These mausolea belong properly to a later epoch, that of Yedo, and are to be seen in