The Use and Maintenance of Shirakawa-suna in Temples of Kyoto City

Abstract

Shirakawa-suna is a white gravel quarried in Kyoto and is widely used in temples of Kyoto. Ever since the quarrying was forbidden, landscapes formed with Shirakawa-suna have been changing or lost. This study aims to determine the current types, uses and maintenance methods of Shirakawa-suna in Kyoto temples, and to discuss ways to preserve its landscapes. We conducted surveys on types and maintenance methods, and performed field investigations on the use, position, depth, grain size, and raking patterns of Shirakawa-suna based on the aerial photos. Three types of Shirakawa-suna (river sand of Kitashirakawaarea, gravel of Shirakawa-ishi, and substitutes) were used in 341 areas of 166 temples in Kyoto on a surface of over 29,000m2 in four forms (spread gravel, gravel terrace, gravel pile, and garden path) and three positions (entrance, main garden, and corridor area). Areas smaller than 100m2, gravel depth of 2-5cm, and grain size of 9mm were most. More than four raking patterns (line, wave, scroll, and check) were seen. Maintenance was done mainly 2-3 times per month by gardeners or monks. To preserve Shirakawa-suna landscapes, it is essential to protect gravel of Shirakawa-ishi and use substitutes based on similarity of gravel characteristics, choose the appropriate depth and grain size, preserve raking patterns, and discuss on the reuse of Shirakawa-ishi.