Kasuga Gata Ishidoro, Japanese Stone Lantern

Stone lanterns, Ishidōrō (石灯籠) in Japanese, are undoubtedly the most characteristic part of traditional Japanese gardens. The phenomenon originated in China more than a thousand years ago, where it also became part of traditional Japanese culture via Korea. Every Japanese shrine, such as a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine, uses stone lanterns as a sacred light source. During the 16th century, stone lanterns became very popular among Japanese tea masters and were used in tea gardens to illuminate the path to the tea house. Since then, one or more stone lanterns have always been found in almost every traditional Japanese garden.

A Japanese stone lantern consists of multiple separate parts that must be carefully stacked together. The perfect balance achieved here makes the lantern a very sturdy and durable whole. The various parts from top to bottom are: – Hōju/Hōshu (宝珠) – The jewel atop the lantern – Ukebana (請花) – The support for the jewel – Kasa (笠) – The hat that protects the light house from the weather – Hibukuro (火袋) – The light house – Chūdai (中台) – The platform for the light house – Sao (竿) – The pillar – Kiso (基礎) – The foundation – Kidan (基壇) – The base platform

The Kasuga Gata Ishidōrō (春日型石灯籠) is undoubtedly the most popular lantern in traditional Japanese gardens. The type originated at the Kasuga Grand Shrine (春日大社) in Nara Park, a park known for its many deer. Various engravings can be seen on the hexagonal Hibukuro of the Kasuga lantern, including deer. A reference to the lanterns’ original purpose.