Techniques of Lead Tiles

The gates and turrets of Kanazawa Castle use lead tiles (namari‑gawara), in which sheets of lead are applied over wooden tile-shaped bases. When exposed to rain, the surface of the lead gradually turns silvery white, creating the distinctive appearance characteristic of Kanazawa Castle. The construction involves multiple skilled craftsmen, including carpenters who prepare the roof base (doibuki), woodworkers who shape the wooden tile forms, and sheet‑metal craftsmen who apply the lead sheets.

 

Process of Making Lead Tiles

Doibuki (Roof Base Preparation)

Thin boards of Noto cypress, about 3 mm thick, are layered and secured with bamboo nails to form the foundation beneath the tiles.

Installation of Wooden Tile Bases

On top of the doibuki, wooden tile forms—shaped to match round tiles, flat tiles, decorative end tiles, and other tile types—are installed to serve as molds for attaching the lead sheets.

Processing the Lead Sheets

Lead sheets approximately 1.8 mm thick are cut and shaped to create the material for the lead tiles.
Tiles with crests or patterns are manufactured through casting.

Installation of Eave Tiles

Roofing begins from the lower edge, where decorative round tiles and karakusa tiles bearing family crests are installed along the eaves.

Attaching the Lead Sheets

Lead sheets for flat and round tiles are hammered into place over the wooden forms using a wooden mallet with a rubber surface, then fixed with copper nails.

Lead Wrapping

The uppermost elements—such as the box ridge and decorative ridge-end tiles—are wrapped in lead to complete the finish.