Ganbu

What a ganbu is

A ganbu is the part of a stone Hokora or pagoda hollowed out to hold an image. The word names the recess itself, and in stone monuments it forms the central block between base and roof.

The Takigawa Residence shrine in Aichi Prefecture, dated 1525, is described as set on a base of natural stones with base, niche and roof each cut from a single block, a Buddhist image carved inside the niche, a Yosemune-zukuri roof curving in the Teri-mukuri manner with a Noki-karahafu at the front, and doors of stone hinged to open outward. It is said to enshrine the Yakushi Nyorai of Horaiji.

That entry gives the anatomy: three stones for base, niche and roof, with the niche as the centre that holds the image. Here the figure is carved directly into the niche rather than placed within it.

Stone doors show that the niche is a closable space, reproducing in stone the hinged doors of a timber shrine.

What to look for

On a stone shrine, check for three tiers. Separate blocks for base, niche and roof match the record's description.

If the doors of the niche stand open, whether the image is carved in or set within can be seen; if they are closed, the record's description is the only guide.

The same word serves for stone pagodas and cliff carvings, wherever a recess has been cut to hold an image, so it is not confined to small shrines.