Keywords
Architecture
Gates
A unique gate at Sōfukuji 崇福寺 (rebuilt in 1827) in Nagasaki prefecture. The size is unusual for an eight-legged gate *hakkyakumon 八脚門, in that it is three-bays wide and has an entrance in each bay. The temple is of the Ōbaku 黄檗 sect. Its architectural elements have strong Chinese influence characteristic of Ōbaku sect temples. The roof is open from the axis of the central pillars to the front of the gate. The rafters *taruki 垂木 are curved but are rectangular in section. Behind it is a three-ridged structure *mitsumune 三棟. Rafters are rectangular in section. The roof is a hip-and-gable type *irimoya yane 入母屋屋根, and is covered with pantile *sangawarabuki 桟瓦葺.
