Japanese traditional architecture, Kaerumata

The Japanese traditional architecture places great importance on the aesthetic appeal, even when it comes to components for structural strength...

In this regard, interesting examples are the struts (nakazonae in Japanese) used to evenly distribute the weight of the roof. As you can see in this photo of the Roumon Gate from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura, instead of using a simple piece of wood (this particular strut is called kaerumata, because normally it resembles the spread legs of a frog - kaeru), the builders used a sophisticated decorative solution.