18Restoration project

The Goza-no-ma is a building preserved from the Edo Period, but it underwent renovations such as the switching of pillars when it was dismantled and reconstructed as a community hall in 1958. Then, how can we assume that it retains the same appearance it had in the Edo period? There are several reasons. First, the pillars were numbered in an Edo Period style called Banzuke. Second, there were foundation stones from the building still remaining in the ground. Third, there were old photographs and diagrams of this room. Fourth, a detailed model of the building existed from 1958. All such information was comprehensively examined upon creating the reconstruction plan. Also, the master carpenter who took charge of the dismantling of the Goza-no-ma and reconstruction of the community hall was asked to give verbal evidence of how the building looked as well as to advise on the construction when the building was moved back into the main palace.