triangular roof truss; gassho-style frame
Architectural term for the triangular framework of a thatched roof, especially in gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The name comes from the shape resembling hands pressed together in prayer (合掌).
See also: 合掌 (がっしょう)
In the gassho-zukuri houses of Shirakawa-go, the triangular truss supports the steeply pitched roof.
Means pressing one's palms together in prayer; the roof frame is named after this hand shape.
Standard kanji spelling for this architectural term.
Variant spelling with okurigana; both forms are used.
Compound of 合掌 (gasshō, 'pressing palms together in prayer') + 組 (kumi, 'framework, assembly'), referring to the triangular shape of the roof truss.