Kikkou Ishibashi, Japanese Stone Bridge

Since the Heian period (794-1185), the bridge has evolved into a highly significant element of the traditional Japanese garden. The philosophy behind the garden bridge is that it symbolizes the connection between mortal life and the afterlife. It enables people to detach themselves from worldly burdens and experience inner peace, purity, and unity with nature.

This bridge is handmade in a traditional Kikkou-seki style (亀甲石). This style is known for the unique patterns of cracks and fissures visible on the stone. Kikkou is the Japanese word for a turtle's shell, which the patterns on the stone bear a strong resemblance to.