The Architecture of Kyotos Nanban-ji Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Architecture of Kyotos Nanban-ji - Essay Example This paper highlights that the proliferation of Christianity started to be carried out in 1559; proselytizers sustained their plans and exertions despite the extreme distress that was brought about by oppression, and with the security assured by Nobunaga, a significant growth in the number of Christian followers cropped up. Nearly 20 years later, with backing from hundreds of its supporters and followers, the antiquated worship room was reconstructed, which was followed by a religious gathering in celebration for the achievement of the chapel. Nanban-ji is known as St. Mary's Temple.From the study it is clear that the most thought-provoking of all features of the Nanban-ji is the unorthodoxy of its architectural design. The Nanban-ji Church was built by the Europeans, particularly the Southern Barbarians, but there seems to be a more Chinese rather than a European touch on its architectural details. There is a significant resemblance of the architecture during the Momoyama period in Nanban-ji's overall design. One important feature of the Nanban-ji is the use of folding screens that are made in pairs with decorations fronting the onlookers and guests. Division is common in Nanban-ji. The substantial utilization of folding screens help set up the Church’s factions: guest hall, worship hall, main hall, kitchen, sleeping quarters, and abbot’s quarters.  Looking at Nanban-ji’s integrated architectural plan, an architectural hierarchy manifests in the arrangement and organization of buildings – apart from the Nanban-ji temple.