The Sacred Hearth: The 28mm Chigi-Minka Spirit-Dwelling

In the ancient heart of the Japanese archipelago, the home was more than mere shelter; it was a sacred space where the human world met the divine. The Chigi-Minka represents the pinnacle of this spiritual architecture. Designed with meticulous historical reverence and scaled for 28mm tabletop play, this model brings the high-status, shrine-like aesthetics of early Japanese civilization to your gaming table. It is an evocative centerpiece that whispers of ancient rites, village elders, and the protective gaze of the Kami.

The Architecture of the Divine

The most striking feature of this model is the presence of the Chigi—the bold, forked finials that cross at the roof’s ridge. Historically, these were not merely decorative; they were structural extensions of the rafters that evolved into symbols of status and sanctity.

Accompanying the Chigi are the Katsuogi, the heavy horizontal logs resting along the roofline. While these features are most commonly associated with Shinto shrines like Ise Grand Shrine, in ancient times, they adorned the homes of village chiefs and high-ranking families. The Chigi-Minka captures this transition between the secular and the sacred. Its steep, A-frame thatched roof and rugged timber pillars suggest a residence of immense communal importance—a place where the laws of the village were decided and the spirits of the ancestors were honored.

Geometric Innovation: The 100% Support-Free Masterpiece

We understand that for the serious hobbyist, the printing process should be as meditative as the painting itself. The Chigi-Minka has been developed using advanced topological optimization, ensuring that this complex, multi-tiered structure prints entirely support-free on FDM machines.

Every angle of the thatched roof and every timber support has been calculated to act as its own foundation.

Pristine Textural Integrity: Because there are no support structures to remove, the delicate, vertically-aligned thatch and the intricate carvings on the Chigi remain perfectly intact.
Zero Post-Processing: Say goodbye to the tedious sanding and scarring that usually plagues high-roofed models. You can move directly from your print bed to the primer booth without the risk of breaking fine details.
Structural Efficiency: The support-free geometry reinforces the model’s internal strength, creating a durable, solid piece of terrain that can withstand the rigors of competitive tabletop play.

By merging ancient aesthetics with modern engineering, we have created a model that honors both the history it represents and the technology used to bring it to life.

Elevating Your Tabletop Narrative

Integrating the Chigi-Minka into your scenery collection does more than just fill a space on the board; it defines the culture of your gaming world. In the 28mm scale, its imposing height and unique silhouette make it a natural focal point for any scenario.

The Seat of Power in Historical Wargames

In games like Sengoku or Ronin, the Chigi-Minka is not just a house—it is an objective. It represents the “Headman’s House” or a local provincial estate.

Strategic Chokepoints: The sheltered entrance, framed by heavy timber pillars, provides a perfect defensive position for a small unit of samurai or ashigaru.
The High Ground: The steep roofline naturally directs the flow of combat around the building, creating tactical “lanes” that players must navigate. Its height makes it an excellent line-of-sight blocker, forcing players to commit to close-quarters engagements.

A Beacon of Mystery in Fantasy and RPGs

For those playing Legend of the Five Rings or Forbidden Lands, the Chigi-Minka is the ideal location for a spiritual encounter.

The Spirit House: The shrine-like roof finials immediately signal to players that this is a place of power. It could be the home of a powerful Shugenja, a gateway to the spirit realm, or a temple hidden deep within a sacred grove.
Environmental Storytelling: The model’s stone-lined foundation and rustic wooden doors suggest a building that has stood for centuries. GMs can use these details to describe the “weight” of the history within the house, drawing players into a more immersive world.

Artistry and Craftsmanship in Every Fiber

We have pushed the limits of 28mm detailing to ensure that this model is a joy to paint and display:

The Thatch-Work: The thatch is sculpted with an organic, flowing texture that mimics the hand-bundled straw of the Yayoi and Kofun eras. The deep recesses are perfect for dark washes, while the raised ridges catch dry-brushed highlights beautifully.
Weathered Timber: The pillars and doors feature a “hand-hewn” wood grain, reflecting the primitive tools used to shape these massive beams.
The Foundation: The model sits on a realistic stone-pillared base, providing both a stable platform for your miniatures and a layer of architectural realism that grounds the building in its environment.

The Ultimate Painter’s Challenge

The Chigi-Minka offers a diverse range of textures that invite creative painting techniques.

Natural Moss: The crevices of the steep roof are the perfect place to apply green glazes or static flock, simulating the damp, mossy atmosphere of a Japanese mountain village.
Aged Wood: Use “chipping” techniques or varied brown tones on the Chigi and Katsuogi to show the effects of sun and rain on the most exposed parts of the house.
The Entrance: The recessed doorway allows for dramatic lighting effects. Consider painting a warm “hearth glow” coming from the interior to contrast with the cool, weathered exterior.

Summary: A Monument to Heritage

The Chigi-Minka is more than a model; it is a tribute to the enduring spirit of Japanese architecture. By combining the sacred symbolism of the ancient world with the practical requirements of the modern gamer, we have created a piece of terrain that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Whether it stands as the majestic home of a village elder or a forgotten forest shrine, the Chigi-Minka will bring a sense of history, status, and mystery to every game you play.