THE FORM AND TECHNIQUES OF ITAKURA IN TAGAJO CITY MIYAGI PREFECTURE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the form of “Itakura”, a traditional type of warehouse in Japan; the technique used in its creation, and the relationship with carpenters.
I investigated warehouses in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture which were damaged in the 3.11 earthquake. In addition to “Itakura”, I also examined the “Dozou” and “Ishikura” types of warehouse.
During these investigations, I found many special carpentry techniques used in the creation of the warehouse and came to understand the difference in quality among these techniques, especially regarding the pillars “shigebashira”, “hanbashira” and the wooden walls used in their construction.