Kamimae 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 several separate parts that must be carefully stacked on top of each other. The resulting perfect balance makes the lantern a very sturdy and durable whole.

The Kamimae Ishidōrō or Shinzen Ishidōrō (神前石灯籠) is common in Japan in sacred grounds of both Buddhism and Shintoism. In particular, they are often placed in front of the place where prayers are offered to the gods. This is how the name Kamimae came about. In Japanese, it means "For the gods.".

This special lantern is beautifully decorated on the front of the Kasa with a round Kawara ornament featuring the Mitsudomoe symbol (三つ巴). This traditional symbol is strongly linked to Shintoism and represents the balance between the three cosmic forces: heaven, earth, and humanity.

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