Katomado, the flower window

The windows are among the most beautiful elements in the Japanese traditional architecture. While visiting Japan, you will certainly admire the marumado circular windows or the katomado tulip-shaped windows, as those photographed here at Ryogen-in, Kyoto.

Originally appeared in the architecture of the Zen temples, the katomado windows were later borrowed by Shinto shrines, samurai residences or even castles. The katomado name has an interesting story: mado means "window", and originally kato meant "fire light", because the shape resembled a flickering flame, so the name meant "fire light window". However, it was considered that fire isn't a good omen for a wooden building, so the kanji used to write kato was changed, and the new meaning is "flower window"...