Ryuryoku Kako Ishidohyo, Japanese Stone Post

In Japan, decorative stone pillars can be seen in all sorts of places. These so-called Ishidōhyō (石道標) are placed partly in the ground and contain a written text that must be read from top to bottom. This text can cover a variety of subjects. It can, for example, indicate the way or a location. Additionally, poetic texts also frequently appear.

The text on this Ishidōhyō reads as follows: Ryūryoku Kakō (柳緑花紅). This saying originates from Zen Buddhism and symbolizes enlightenment. It can be translated in several ways, such as: the beauty of nature, the beauty of the spring landscape, and (more literally) the red flowers and green trees.

The back is also engraved, but due to age it is no longer readable.