Here is a photo of the Tokyo venue in Current.

At the entrance hall, you will be greeted by Shachi, the castle tower of Himeji Castle. It is a full-size 190cm high and weighs 300kg, and specially exhibited items manufactured during the Heisei Great Repair (October 2009-March 2015) of the Himeji Castle Main Tower.

The exhibition consists of a tile molding corner, a corner explaining how to make and roof tiles, and a video corner.

A full-scale roof model is exhibited just after entering the exhibition hall. This section explains the difference between Nara period's roofing method (right in the photo) and modern roofing method (left in the photo).

[Ancient tile molding corner 1] From the 6th to 8th centuries, the roof tiles and onigawara are on display.

[Ancient tile molding corner 2] Full-size shibi of Kondo powerful Toshodaiji Temple. Height 119cm, weight 200kg. It was surprising to think that it was installed at both ends of the large building in Nara period, where there was no crane or other machine.

[Corner for making ancient tiles] In addition to the soil of the roof tiles, the original flat tiles, round tiles, and eaves tiles that were introduced from the continent are explained in an easy-to-understand manner using production tools, tiles, wall graphics, and images.

[Ancient roofing corner] It introduces how the roof is roofed. In front of the photo, it is a reproduction of a place where tiles are sorted and arranged temporarily before roofing on the roof. In the back, there are tools and mold boards used for tile roofing.

[Hands-on Corner] This is a corner where you can pick up round tiles and flat tiles and roof them. Because it is full-size, you can also feel the weight of the tiles.

[Theater Corner] Screening of Mitsuzaku products featuring the work of tilisers (about 21 to 24 minutes). You can also see valuable images of the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple.

This is a unique exhibition where you can touch the skills and hearts of tilisers who have made strong tiles that can withstand the millennium of wind and rain. Please come to the venue.

You can see the contents of the above exhibition in a series of videos. Please take a look at it.

※This exhibition will be held at the Kobe venue (October 14-December 3, 2017).

Photography / Shoma Kosai