ひとつひとつの石が整然と積まれた石壁が世界遺産として残っている。北方異民族の侵入を防ぐ万里の長城は、漆喰のような接着剤で石の隙間を埋めて作られ、雨量が多く地震も頻発する空中都市マチュピチュの石壁は、整形された石がカミソリ一枚すら通らないほど隙間なく積まれている。日本の城壁は、ほとんど加工しない自然石をしっかりと噛み合わせ、石の自重で石積みを強固にしている。一見不安定な石の隙間は水はけに優れ、隙間も活かす石工の技に誰もが驚く。
The neatly stacked stone wall, each stone meticulously placed, stand as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Wall of China, spanning thousands of miles to deter the invasion of northern nomadic tribes, is constructed by filling gaps between stones with a mortar-like adhesive. The stone walls of Machu Picchu, an aerial city prone to frequent earthquakes and heavy rainfall, exhibit meticulously arranged stones, so tightly packed that not even a razor blade can pass through. Japanese castle walls firmly interlock largely unprocessed natural stones, reinforcing the stonework with the weight of the stones themselves. Though the gaps in the seemingly unstable stones enhance drainage. Everyone marvels at the craftsmanship that utilizes these gaps.
宮床の庭園には貴重なたくさんの石が運び込まれた。秋田の小町石は参道の石畳に、大震災で被災した重厚な稲井石は板石敷きに、健康な人も多少不自由な人も歩きやすいように、庭師の感性と優しさを込めて敷きつめられた。
In the garden of Miyatoko, numerous precious stones have been carefully placed. Akita’s Komachi stones form the path’s cobblestones, while the sturdy Inai stones, survivors of a major earthquake, are laid out in a patterned arrangement for ease of walking, embodying the sensitivity and kindness of the Niwashi.
山裾の石垣は、ごつごつして不揃いな鳥海石が崩れたように力強く仕上げられた。やがて、石垣の上の雑木は石積みの背面にしっかりと細根を張り巡らし、地震や豪雨を物ともしない安定した石垣に育っていく。
石積みに匠の技が光る。苔むした参道を歩む人びとの心は和み、お地蔵様を祀ったお堂のまえでそっと手をあわす。
The rugged stone walls at the base of the mountain are robustly finished, featuring uneven Chokai stones, resembling a natural cascade. Over time, the shrubs atop the stone walls intricately weave their fine roots around the back of the masonry, growing into a stable stone wall impervious to earthquake and heavy rains. The craftsmanship in the stone masonry shines through, calming the heart of those strolling along the moss-covered path who gently clasps their hands in prayer to Ojizosama.
