What tasuki means
Tasuki is the shape of two members or lines crossing diagonally, named after the cord crossed over the shoulders to tie back kimono sleeves. In buildings, diagonally crossed battens set into the top of walls, into transoms or into lattice fittings are called tasuki-zan.
The added diagonals lighten the effect compared with a square grid. The upper part of an earthen or board wall may be opened with crossed battens to relieve its weight, and transoms may use them for both ventilation and design. The kesa-dasuki pattern on Yayoi bronze bells is a different usage, naming a grid of bands rather than diagonal crossings.
Reading the records
Records mention tasuki-zan and where they are used. The reception gate and wall of the Tsuchiya family house in Koshu, Yamanashi, a roofed earthen wall whose clay changes colour above and below the dado, is recorded as lightened at the top by crossed battens. The inner fence of the former Kitamuro clinic in Tsurugi, Tokushima, has vertical boarding with a transom of crossed battens.
On site, look for diagonally crossing battens in walls or transoms; their angle and thickness help in reading the design.
References
- 土屋家住宅座敷門及び塀｜国指定文化財等データベース（文化庁）
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00011502
- 旧北室醫院庭門及び内塀｜国指定文化財等データベース（文化庁）
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00013455
Last verified: 2026.09.27