Bamboo Fences

Isao Yoshikawa

With photographs by Osamu Suzuki

PRINCETON ARCHITECTURAL PRESS

NEW YORK

ginkakuji Fence

The ginkakuji fence takes its name from the famous Zen temple in Kyoto, also known as Jishoji, built in 1474. The fence there tops a stone wall in the outer grounds on the approach to the temple from the main gate. Though there are some technical differences in construction, the ginkakuji fence, usually made with two horizontal support poles, is

very similar to a low Kenninji fence, and today low versions of the latter are generally called ginkakuji fences. Resting on walls of stone or earth, this type of bamboo fence is perhaps the most beautiful of all.

Jishoji, built in

The original ginkakuji fence, made of madake bambooJishoji Temple, KyotoJishoji Temple, Kyoto

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below A ginkakuji fence that is almost identical to the originalShofukuro, YokaichiShofukuro, YokaichiShofukuro, YokaichiShofukuro, Yokaichi

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unusual ginkakuji fence along a slopeHonen’in Temple, Kyoto

The original ginkakuji fence, atop a stone wall Jishoji Temple, Kyoto

Honen’in Temple, Kyoto

Jishoji Temple, Kyoto

unique Fences

unique fences have been designed by a landscape architect to fit a particular garden. most of these are constructed by adding a modern touch to a traditional bamboo fence style. The most common model is the Kenninji fence; its vertical pieces can be rearranged horizontally or diagonally and attached to support poles. Designers often give their

creations an original name. Two well-known unique fences are the aboshi-gaki (net-drying fence) and the moji-gaki (letter fence).

A bold unique fence with a design reminiscent of swirls of clouds Ryogin’an, KyotoRyogin’an, Kyoto

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below A unique fence modeled after bolts of lightning Ryogin’an, KyotoRyogin’an, Kyoto