Okidoro, 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.

This is a special version of the Okigata Ishidōrō (置型石灯篭) or Okidōrō (置き灯篭) abbreviated, which translates to a lowered lantern. This name is based on the fact that the lantern is relatively easy to set down and move.