Chigi (Architecture) and the Art of Renaissance Revival

The Chigi style of architecture is a fascinating blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements, characterized by its grandiose scale and ornate details. This style was popularized by the Chigi family, a powerful banking family in Italy.

One of the most iconic examples of Chigi architecture is the Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, built in the 16th century. This palace showcases the family's wealth and influence, with its imposing façade and lavish interior decorations.

The Chigi style often features sweeping arches, grand staircases, and intricate frescoes, which were inspired by ancient Roman and Greek designs. These ornate details were meant to evoke a sense of grandeur and sophistication, reflecting the family's high social status.

The Chigi style also influenced the development of other architectural styles, including the Mannerist and Baroque styles that followed.

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The Chigi is a distinctive architectural feature that originated in Japan, where it's often built directly into the roof or attached as an ornament. It's typically found at the ends of the roof, but some designs allow for placement in the middle.

Chigi can be cut with a slight curve, and more ornate designs feature wind-slots and a forked appearance. These intricate cuts are often used to indicate the gender of the kami enshrined within.

The orientation of the Chigi and the number of katsuogi, a short decorative log, are used to identify the gender of the kami. Upward-facing Chigi with an even number of katsuogi indicate a female kami, while outward-facing Chigi with an odd number of katsuogi indicate a male kami.

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Chigi have a rich history that dates back to the 1st century AD, with evidence of their existence during the Kofun period (250–538 AD) well documented by numerous artifacts.

Their evolutionary origins are still a mystery, with theories suggesting they were interlocking bargeboard planks, part of a support system, or used to "pinch" and hold thatch roofing together.

However, one thing is certain: chigi were originally a working part of the structure, but as building techniques improved, their function was lost and they were left as decorations.

Chigi were likely only found on the homes and warehouses of powerful families, with more decorations signifying higher rank.

In fact, the legal code in the 17th to 19th centuries dictated how many chigi were allowed on building roofs in accordance with the owner's social rank.

Today, chigi are mostly found on Shinto shrines, a far cry from their original purpose as a functional part of traditional Japanese buildings.

Raphael's Vision was a true masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture. He was tasked with reconstructing the Chigi Chapel, a project that would leave a lasting impact on the world of art and design.

At the heart of Raphael's design was the central theme of the Resurrection, a concept that resonated deeply with Christian theology. This theme was woven throughout the chapel's design, creating a harmonious synthesis of Christianity and classical antiquity.

Raphael's untimely death in 1520 could have derailed the project, but his vision endured, influencing the artistic direction that followed. His legacy lived on through the skilled hands of Lorenzetto, who carried forth Raphael's vision to completion.

Lorenzetto's task was not just to replicate Raphael's designs, but to channel the spirit and intention behind them. He succeeded in crafting the Resurrection theme, ensuring that Raphael's legacy remained intact in every architectural detail and artistic element.

Chigi can be built directly into the roof as part of the structure, or simply attached and crossed over the gable as an ornament. This method of attachment allows chigi to be placed at the ends of the roof, but sometimes also in the middle.

More ornate chigi are cut with one or two kaza-ana, or "wind-slots", and a third open cut at the tip, giving it a forked appearance. This type of design is often seen at Ise Shrine.

Gold metal coverings serve both protective and ornamental purposes. They're usually used on chigi with vertical tops.

The angle at which the chigi faces and the number of katsuogi the building contains are used to identify the gender of the kami enshrined within.

The chigi are pairs of slender timbers, set at either end of the roof, that fork upward and outward from the ridge.

In Shintō architecture, the chigi and katsuogi are not merely decorative, but also carry religious significance. The ends of the chigi may be cut horizontally (uchi-sogi) or vertically (soto-sogi).

Horizontally aligned chigi indicate that a female deity is enshrined, while vertically aligned chigi signify a male kami.

The Chigi Chapel was originally dedicated to Saints Sebastian, Roch, and Sigismund.

In 1507, the dedication of the chapel was officially altered to honor the Madonna of Loreto, reflecting Agostino Chigi's passionate devotion to this revered figure.

Agostino Chigi, a wealthy Sienese banker, acquired the chapel through a papal grant from Pope Julius II in the early 16th century.

The chapel was a testament to the personal connection between Julius II and Agostino Chigi, a manifestation of the profound bond between a powerful pontiff and a prominent banker.

Agostino Chigi's brother, Sigismondo, later commissioned Lorenzetto to carry on Raphael's plan in 1521 after Agostino's death in 1520.

The honden is the central structure of a Shinto shrine and its most sacred space. It's where the kami is enshrined.

There are two main architectural styles for honden: taisha-zukuri and shinmei-zukuri. Taisha-zukuri is thought to reflect ancient residential architecture, while shinmei-zukuri is modeled on ancient Japanese granaries.

The roof of the honden features distinctive wooden ornaments called chigi and katsuogi. These ornaments are probably the most distinguishing features of Shinto architecture.

Chigi and katsuogi are not just decorative; they have a religious significance. The ends of the chigi may be cut horizontally (uchi-sogi) or vertically (soto-sogi).

Here's a breakdown of the significance of chigi and katsuogi:

These ornaments are found on the roofs of many Shinto shrines, including Tajima Shrine in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture.

The pyramidal tombs of the Chigi Chapel are a testament to the enduring power of classical design. Conceived by Raphael and completed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, these tombs reflect the classical influence prevalent in Renaissance thought.

The pyramidal form of the tombs is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian symbols and imperial funerary monuments. The ratio of height to width in the Chigi Chapel, mirroring ancient Egyptian obelisks, further emphasizes the connection to antiquity.

The slender, elongated silhouette of the tombs echoes the architectural grace of the obelisks that once adorned the squares of ancient Rome.