Misaki Gata Ishidoro, Stone Lantern

Stone lanterns, Ishidōrō (石灯籠) in Japanese, are undoubtedly the most characteristic element of the traditional Japanese garden. The phenomenon originated more than a thousand years ago in China, from where it also became part of traditional Japanese culture via Korea. Every Japanese sanctuary, 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 can almost always be found in nearly every traditional Japanese garden.

A 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 Misaki Gata Ishidōrō (岬型石灯籠) is a well-known Okigata lantern with an elegant round shape. The lantern is often seen along the waterfront between the pebbles or on a larger ornamental stone. Additionally, the lantern is also perfect for a Karesansui or Zen garden. A Misaki Gata Ishidōrō is a famous feature of the garden of Katsura Imperial Palace in Kyoto.