Geeky topics at the end of the year... Are the 'shibo' (wrinkles) on the tokobashira natural or artificial?

Hello! This is Fukui from Archiroyd.

I'd like to share some additional things I learned about the Tairyu Sanso blog post I wrote after visiting in early December, specifically regarding the tokobashira (alcove post) at Juontei.

"Is the Kitayama cedar tokobashira a 'tenshibo' (natural) or a 'jinshibo' (artificial)?"

That was the question I was asked.

First, let's confirm the terms 'tenshibo' and 'jinshibo'.
Tenshibo: Natural shibori log. A log where the ridges and valleys are formed naturally.
Jinshibo: Artificial (man-made) shibori log. A log created artificially to mimic tenshibo.

I had no idea, so I asked Mr. Hirotani of Archivision Hirotani Studio, who handles a wide range of architectural designs from those requiring traditional knowledge to new challenges!

The tokobashira at Juontei is
likely a natural shibori log (it's very rare because it only occurs through mutation!)
Wait, it's something that happens through mutation...!

The points for distinguishing it were:
1. It has knots. 2. Artificial shibori logs have more uniform wrinkles. 3. Artificial shibori logs are easily available, so they wouldn't use one that tapers in thickness.

That's what he said.

I took this photo because I felt they intentionally placed the knot in a prominent spot.
It feels like they are playing with the knot while also driving home the point that it is a "natural object"; what a sophisticated form of communication. It's so profound...

I make a vow, filled with nothing but excitement, that I must experience architecture to my heart's content next year too...! Fukui

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