Decoration techniques: Marusen, ginbyo and hikkaki

Small strips of twisted and round gold and silver wire have been used for the railings and other details of the buildings (a single strip of twisted round wire is called marusen). Silver metal sheet has been cut to shape for the roof ridge. Small silver rivets (ginbyo) on the pine branches represent dew. A technique known as hikkaki, meaning 'to scratch away', has been used on the windows.