Under the Skin: Himeji Castle’s Frame
This is a 1:20 scale model of the timber frame of Himeji Castle’s main keep. The keep is supported by a lattice of posts and beams rather than by thick outer walls, with the two columns at the center of the structure bearing the heaviest load.
The model was built as a guide for the workers who carried out a major renovation of the castle between 1956 and 1964, when the entire keep was dismantled, repaired, and reassembled. This project required a precise understanding of every aspect of Himeji’s historical architecture, beginning with the methods used in the castle’s original construction. Damaged parts of the castle’s structure were replaced or reinforced to preserve the building for future generations.