A rather prominent feature of the pillars of Horyu-ji and the wooden temples from that era (Asuka) .

Wooden architecture in Japan has evolved over the years. Many of such developments are closely tied to religious structures, namely Buddhist temples. Horyu-ji (法隆寺) is one oldest extant wooden structure in the world, and it is there that one can see some fine details that dates back over 1000 years.

One of the defining characteristics of the structures of that period is the entasis of the wooden pillars. Such wooden pillars are an integral part of any wooden structure, and they have evolved over the years. But a rather prominent feature of the pillars of Horyu-ji and the wooden temples from that era (Asuka) is the curvature, as evidenced by their presence in all of the oldest structures in that temple. A noticeable slight curve towards the base and top of the pillar – a feature that shares an interesting parallel to the classical architecture continents.

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