Tenkachaya Gata 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 Tenkachaya Gata Ishidōrō (天下茶屋型石灯籠) is a very beautiful example of an Okigata or movable lantern. The type is known for its square shapes, a beautiful gridwork, and openings shaped like the sun and the moon.