For millennia, Japanese gardens have defined the culture and customs of this country. Whenever they talk about a garden landscape, the first thing that comes to mind is a stone lantern. Among all Japanese jewelry, lanterns are the most recognizable. It's true!
A bit of history
These are complex stone structures, including a base, a stand, a hollow trellised lantern with openings for light and an Asian-style roof. Japanese garden lanterns (Ishi-Doro) arose thousands of years ago. At first they were made of metal and were mainly used to illuminate the entrances to the temples. Later they began to be made of stone for use in the Japanese garden landscape. Japanese tea ceremonies were often held in the evenings, so light was needed.
Basic styles
There are four main styles with many variations:
- Kasuga (Tachi Gata). A classic example of a Japanese lantern. Its shape is similar to a pagoda. Large Kasugi are usually located in a conspicuous place, for example, in the center of the garden, near the gate, entrance or at the intersection of paths. It has traditionally been used as a keeper lantern.
- Misaki (Oki Gata). It is a small round lantern. Japanese Misaki is often placed on a flat stone at the edge of the pond, just standing outside the water or on the edge of the path. Suitable for small compact gardens.
- Oribe (Ikekomi Gata). This is a square Japanese lantern. He has no base stone below. He just stands on the ground. The Oribe lantern is decorated with a carved Buddha on its pedestal stone. Sometimes it is also called the "Christian" lamp. It is one of the oldest known Japanese lanterns.
- Yumiki (Yumiki Gata). It is also known as a "snow observation lamp." It is believed that in its greatest beauty reflects the purity of simple lines. In the Japanese garden landscape, these lanterns can be easily identified by the hexagonal, round or octagonal roof, which holds snow in winter, hence its second name. Yukimi lanterns are very popular for placing near water elements such as ponds and streams, directly on the ground or on a flat stone. In fact, they are suitable for most areas of the landscape and can be placed anywhere to add a truly beautiful garden feature.
Symbols and meanings
Japanese lantern symbolizes durability and strength, the ability to withstand adversity. Made of stone, they give the garden a natural look, give a sense of creative and rich history.
There are lanterns consisting of several levels, each of which contains a separate light. In ancient times, candles were placed in these areas. But today they can be equipped for electric lighting without sacrificing beauty. The light that comes from the garden lamp is not bright. A gentle and soft beam evokes a wonderful sense of calm, especially at night.
Garden place
If you are considering buying a Japanese lantern for the garden, first carefully consider the design project. It is important to determine the correct location of a stone lantern in order to increase its aesthetic appeal and functionality. You can use the lamp as a focal point for the garden. Maybe you should combine it with a pond or fountain? The presence of soft lights near the water will add an element of mysticism. This garden decoration may seem simple, but its artistic value is incomparable. Japanese garden lights have existed for centuries, have stood the test of time. Therefore, in the modern garden they find their rightful place.
DIY lantern
Despite the fact that there is a wide selection of options on the market, you can make a stone lantern of your own design. It will not only look great in the garden, but will also bring incomparable pleasure from the process of creation. You can make a Japanese lantern on your own, showing patience and diligence.
The best material for its manufacture is foam concrete. Gas silicate blocks have similar properties. They are easy to process. The carved dome, roof, pedestal, base of the lantern are subsequently connected using facade putty. Of course, it is advisable to first make a drawing. When all the details are connected, the lantern can be painted, give a natural look to the stone or age. Vivid colors for Japanese garden lights are unacceptable.
If gas silicate was used, it must be covered with a cement-glue solution so that moisture is not absorbed and the finished product does not fall apart. The light source can be anything: candles or electric lamps. But not bright, but muffled or distracted. The base of the lantern should always be placed on a solid, level surface, while a small concrete slab or large stone forms a suitable solid support and prevents the lantern from sinking into the soil or tilting in one direction or another.
The main thing is that a Japanese do-it-yourself lantern fits naturally into the landscape of the garden.