Society

Japanese architectural craft approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

Dec 18 (Kyodo) - Traditional Japanese architectural craftsmanship used in timber-framed structures was approved Thursday for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a committee of the U.N. cultural body said.

Traditional skills, techniques and knowledge that comprise the craftsmanship cover 17 areas essential for repairing and restoring shrines, temples and old houses, which are traditionally made of wood.

Such structures include Horyuji, a World Heritage Buddhist temple said to have been built in 607. The building in the western prefecture of Nara is the world's oldest surviving wooden structure.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said in a statement that he "truly rejoices" at the UNESCO listing.

"Structures like Horyuji and Himeji Castle can still be seen to this day thanks to repair work based on traditional techniques," he said, referring to an ancient castle in Hyogo Prefecture, which is also a world heritage site.

Among other techniques recognized Thursday by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Intergovernmental Committee were "sakan" plastering, the harvesting of Japanese cypress bark for roofing, lacquer painting of traditional structures and the production of tatami mats.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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