convex roof tile
A traditional Japanese roof tile with a convex shape, often used in pairs with concave 丸瓦 (marugawara). The term is technical but commonly understood in architectural contexts.
See also: 丸瓦
On the roof of this temple, convex tiles and concave tiles are used alternately.
Standard kanji spelling using 牡 (male) to indicate the convex tile.
Alternate spelling using 男 (man); less common but still encountered.
From 牡 “male” and 瓦 “roof tile.” Traditional terminology pairs the convex 牡瓦 with the concave 牝瓦.