柴宮長左衛門の建築
The main hall of Suinafuneyama Shrine, located in the former Togura Town, now Chikuma City, is a large shrine that retains the architectural style of the Okuma school.
Built in 1789 by Shibamiya Chozaemon Norishige of the Okuma school, it is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The main hall is an extended flowing style, one of the most common main hall styles.
The front of the eaves is extended with a Karahafu gable on the front, and the roof is shingle-covered.
The most distinctive feature of this shrine is the abundance of carvings attached to the pillars and side doors.
Notably, the upper and lower dragons on the side doors, the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, the immortals by the door, the upper and lower dragons on the hanging rafters, and the waves with turtles and flying dragons on the supporting rings demonstrate Shibamiya Chozaemon's carving prowess.
Known as a master craftsman of the late Edo period, Shibamiya was famous for his work on the Suwa Taisha and as the head carpenter of the Okuma school.
The main hall of Suinafuneyama Shrine is said to resemble the style and carvings of the Kitagumai Suwa Shrine in Shiojiri, also a work of Shibamiya.
