Japanese stone lanterns were first used in ancient temples and shrines, where they kept the votive fire lit. The purpose of such lanterns was not to illuminate the space, but to protect fire from the influence environment, since the sacred fire symbolized Buddha, knowledge and enlightenment. Only much later, in the sixteenth century, they began to be used for practical purposes, to illuminate the territory of private gardens, tea houses and religious premises. From classic to contemporary, Stone Forest lanterns draw on this centuries-old tradition.
Designers carve traditional Japanese lanterns and original stone lamps from granite own design for 20 years now. If you are looking for interesting garden decor in traditional Japanese style, or want to choose a more modern yard decoration and an addition to your landscape, then lanterns highest quality Stone Forest is a great solution.
Traditional Japanese lanterns are made to strict ancient specifications. During the day it is an elegant decoration for decorating the garden, and in the evening, with a candle inside, the lantern performs the function garden lighting playing lights, indicating the path to the tea gazebo, pond or house. The assortment includes all main types of lanterns.
"Tachi-gata"(translated from Japanese as “pedestal”) - the definition already includes the purpose of such lanterns. They are used to illuminate the place in the garden where the owner talks with the most honored guests. Tachi-gata lanterns are distinguished from other types of lanterns by their large height - from 1.5 to 3 m, so they look natural in gardens that occupy a large area.
"Ikekomi-gata"- there is a legend according to which this lantern is positioned so that the ray of sunlight falling on it is necessarily directed towards the ground. Therefore, areas of the yard and garden that are open to the sun are usually chosen for installing ikekomi-gata lanterns.
"Yukimi-gata" - translated as “seemingly covered with snow.” The highlight of these stone lanterns is their square or round roofs, which protect the fire inside from the snow. Often the lantern windows are covered with frosted glass, which gives a soft glow to the rays of the sun hitting the lantern and candles in the evening.
"Oki-gata" distinguished by their small size. These miniature stone lanterns will look great in the garden or courtyard of your home. small size, near paths, flower beds and flower beds.
The company can also cut any pattern and create any Japanese lantern as per your request. You can learn more about the products on the StoneForest website.
Japan has a wide variety of beautiful gardens, which amaze with their proportions and combinations of selected materials. can be called a small piece of the Japanese landscape, and every detail of this miniature model impresses with its special landscape. Not the least important place in any garden is occupied by various garden structures. Typically, they are made from materials such as clay, stones, bamboo, metal, and wood.
In Japan, the use of (a symbol of nobility) in various decorative compositions adds a special sophistication to them, which fits perfectly into a garden that is thought out to the smallest detail. To do this, it is not processed and most often the bark is not even removed. But the Japanese prefer to use stones only those that have an irregular and unusual shape. After all, as you know, in nature there are no stones of ideal size and appearance. Although, if necessary, it is possible to slightly change their shape. Instead of clay, tiles are sometimes used in Japan, while concrete is used only mixed with other natural materials.
Japanese gardens are decorated with the following structures: fences, benches and stone lanterns (lamp). This, of course, is not the entire list of decorative garden elements.
Japanese stone lanterns are placed in various places in the garden, in particular along the edges of paths crossing the garden; near bridges and bridges; at the edge; near traditional structures - tsukubai, which are ceremonial stone bowls filled with water. The height and number of stone lantern models placed in the garden depends on the owner’s taste and size garden plot. For this reason, they can be divided into four types.
The first place is rightfully occupied by “Tachi-gata” lanterns, which means “pedestal” in Japanese. This word itself contains the purpose of such lanterns - they are used to illuminate the place where the owner conducts conversations with the most honored guests. "Tachi-gata" are placed only in gardens that occupy a large area, since they differ great height(from 1.5 to 3 m).
The second type of Japanese stone lanterns is “ikekomi-gata”. This type of lantern in Japan is often reserved for a place near the tsukubai. However, some Japanese erect this type of lamps in other places. The chosen location in this case depends on the wishes of the owner or the decorator hired for this. In Japan, there is a legend according to which the lantern is positioned so that the beam of light falling on it must be directed towards the ground. Therefore, usually, areas of the garden open to the sun are chosen for installing ikekomi-gata lanterns.
The next type of stone lanterns is called “yakimi-gata”, although some pronounce it a little differently (“yukimi-gata”), but this does not change the meaning of the word - “appearing to be covered with snow.” Roofs that are either round or square are considered the highlight of such lanterns. The bases of such lanterns are stands, which are made of stone or concrete. Another noteworthy part of this structure is the frosted glass, which gives a soft glow to those falling on it. sun rays. It is thanks to the use of frosted glass that this type of stone lanterns received its name - it seems that the stones are covered with snow. Typically, such lanterns are placed at the edge of bodies of water.
Fourth type of Japanese garden lamps differs from the others in its small size - and that is why it received the name “Oki-gata”, which means “small lanterns”. It perfectly complements the landscape of the plots Japanese garden located on the shore of a pond or near a path. But in a small garden, such a lantern can take its rightful place, being placed in the courtyard of the house. In such conditions, he will seem like a king among his retinue of flowers and shrubs.
As you may have already guessed, distinctive feature of all the listed types of stone lanterns is their appearance and height, which ranges from 0.5 to 3 m. But, complementing the landscape with a stone lamp planted behind beautiful tree, you will only emphasize its size. For example, you can use maple for this, which fits perfectly into the landscape, especially in the fall, when the leaves turn several shades of yellow and red. And against the background of leaves, the grass seems even greener, and the stones seem like gray guardians of the peace of the garden.
Stone lanterns are especially good on a dark night, when they illuminate the surrounding landscape with the light of the candles inside them. And immediately everything transforms and takes on a mysterious appearance. By the light of just such lanterns, the Japanese walk along the path in tea house- chashitsu.
Making stone lamps is a very labor-intensive process, but extremely interesting. First, the chosen composition of the desired stone lantern is considered; here it is important to determine the main stone - the base, which, together with the other two stones, should form a divine triad.
Japanese stone lantern
In choise the right stones The Japanese are guided by the following principles: it is necessary for each stone to form a certain “face” and “pose”, that is, you need to see what place in the composition a given stone can occupy. On this occasion, the following lines are given in the book “Senzai Hise”: “stones run away and catch up, lean and support, look up and down, lie and stand.” This statement makes it clear in the best possible way what kind of stones should be used when creating a stone lamp.
Once this task is completed, remember that a lot of patience and time is required, as the stones must become an integral part of the landscape. Installing the stone in the chosen location is the first step. If there are pebbles (sand or moss) on the stone, then it must be given time to “unite” with the pebbles, putting down “roots” into it, or, in other words, “enter into an imagined image.”
At the same time, the designer takes into account the fact that stone lanterns are part of cultural tradition Japan, which means their appearance must be reproduced exactly. Therefore, a true Japanese designer will never come up with any new original forms. Harmony with the climate of the area in which the garden is located also plays an important role here. For this reason, in most cases, lamps are made from stones from the local area.
The second step is to complete the “building” of the stone lantern. The remaining stones are selected to be the same texture and color as the base stone. Moreover, in its completed form it should resemble a scalene triangle, at least remotely. According to the old custom, it is necessary that the long side of the triangle points to the “front” side of the house (where the entrance to the garden is located). To feel the desired composition decorating the garden is the designer’s goal.
For those who want to create their own corner of the Japanese garden and test their strength in such art, we will tell you how stone lanterns are made, describing this process gradually, step by step. We just warn you that you are unlikely to succeed. exact copy, perhaps after long practice for several years. And, frankly speaking, such a task is not facing us.
So, to make a stone lantern you will need stones of different sizes, clay and a couple of candles. The stones must be a certain shape and colors, and to decide on this, rely on intuition and use your imagination, not forgetting traditional rules. Stones are used to create stone lamps the following types: vertical, recumbent and flat. IN in this case you will need: one round (or square) stone, one flat stone, several fist-sized stones.
Japanese lantern on the shore
Once all the necessary components have been collected, you can begin the process of turning the scattered stones into a lantern. First of all, the flat stone must be placed on the ground so that it does not wobble. As a last resort, you can loosen the soil or pour in enough sand to fix the stone. After installing the base stone, you need to gradually and very carefully make a column of stones (the same ones the size of a fist) and secure them together with clay, covering all the cracks that have arisen with it. Then you need to wait until the clay is completely dry. There should be at least four such columns, the most important thing here is not to get carried away, because you need to put candles inside.
Place the round stone that will act as a roof on the posts after they are firmly on the base. Thanks to the round stone, the candles will not go out in rainy weather, only if there is no wind. If you do not have a sufficient number of small stones at your disposal, you can replace them with blocks cut from wood and coated with clay. If you do not coat it with clay, the burnt bars will gradually be broken by the “roof” of the lantern.
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Japan has many of the most beautiful and varied gardens, striking in their combinations and proportions of selected components. A Japanese garden can be described as small landscaped area Japan, and every element of this small model surprises with its special appearance.
One of the main places in any garden is occupied by various garden structures. Typically made from materials such as metal, bamboo, clay, wood and stones.
Japanese gardens are decorated with such objects as: bridges, hedges, benches and stone garden lanterns (or). However, this is certainly far from full list decorative elements garden
Japanese garden lanterns are placed in different places in the garden, in particular near ponds, along paths that cross the garden, next to bridges and bridges; near traditional buildings - Tsukubai, which are stone ceremonial bowls filled with water.
The number and height of Japanese stone garden lanterns placed in the garden depends on the size of the area and the personal taste of the owner.
For this reason, they can be divided into several types:
≈ The first place is occupied by a lantern called “Tachi-Gata”, which is translated from Japanese as “pedestal”. The purpose lies in the word itself - they are used to illuminate the place where the owner of the house conducts conversations with the most honorable people.
What sets Tachi-Gata apart from other types of stone garden lanterns is its height (from 1.5 to 3 m), which is why they are installed only in gardens with a vast territory.
≈ The second type of Japanese garden lanterns is “Ikekomi-gata”. In Japan, a place is often reserved for this type of lantern near Tsukubai. However, some Japanese also install this type of lantern in other places.
In Japan, there is a legend according to which the lantern must be positioned so that the beam of light falling on it is certainly directed towards the ground. Therefore, as a rule, garden plots open to the sun are selected for the installation of “Ikekomi-gata”.
≈ Another lantern - Katsuga. It is similar to the Tachi-gata model, but has more ornate carvings. It is made from at least four separately cut elements.
≈ Another type of stone lanterns is called “Yakimi-gata” or “Yukimi-gata”, which means “appearing to be covered with snow.” The advantage of such lanterns is roofs with square or round shape. The basis is the stands, which are made of stone or concrete.
Another advantage that deserves attention in this type of lantern is the frosted glass, which gives a smooth glow to the sunlight falling on it.
Thanks to frosted glass This type of Japanese lamps got its name - it seems that the stones are covered with snow. These lights are usually placed near the edge of bodies of water.
≈ The fifth type of Japanese lanterns differs from the rest in its miniature size - and that is why it was called “Oki-gata”, which means “small lanterns”.
It will perfectly complement the landscape of a Japanese garden, in areas located near the path or on the shore of a pond. But in a small garden, this one can decorate the courtyard of the house.
As you may have guessed, distinctive feature All of the listed types of stone lanterns are their design and height, which varies from 0.5 - 3 m. But, if you complement the landscape with a beautiful tree planted behind the stone lantern, you will only emphasize its size.
For example, for this you can take maple, which fits perfectly into the landscape, especially in autumn, when the leaves turn several shades of red and yellow. And against the background of such leaves, the grass looks even greener, and the stones look like gray guards of the garden.
These stone lanterns are especially beautiful at night, when they illuminate the surrounding view with the light of the candles located inside them. And immediately everything around transforms and takes on a mysterious look. It is in the light of such lanterns that the Japanese walk along the path to the house for tea ceremonies - Chashitsu.
In very ancient times, in the land where the sun rises, a monk named Oribe spent his days in a certain Buddhist monastery, and he was a famous master of chano-yu (tea ceremonies). Japan in those centuries shunned the whole world, from which it preferred to fence itself off with a blank wall, and by the decrees of the shogun (supreme ruler) everything foreign was strictly prohibited in the country. And religions alien to the traditions of this country were simply punished painful death. Subsequently, thanks to these strictures and his secret worship of Christ, the monk Oribe etched his name in history.
Long before the birth of the monk, stone incense burners gradually began to enter Japanese temples from nearby China, which, gradually changing in shape, were reborn into stone toro lanterns. By the time of the life of monk Oribe, these works of ancient stonemasons had already finally settled in the traditions and gardens of the Japanese.
It has already been mentioned that Oribe was a master of tea ceremonies. At the place of tea drinking, there was always a tsukubai bowl made of stone (a bowl with crystal clear water, from where it was taken with a special bamboo ladle for ritual washing of the face and hands, and after that, water will be taken there for tea ceremonies), and next to it, except decorative plants and a stone lantern were installed. Master Oribe was guided by the same canons when arranging the venue for chano-yu.
Traditionally, the chano-yu master, before drawing water from the tsukubai, must kneel before it on a stone specially designed for this purpose and bow to the stone bowl. Master Oribe secretly carved a Christian crucifix on the leg of the Toro lantern, hidden by the grass from prying eyes, and thus it turned out that at the beginning of each tea ceremony, bowing towards Tsukubai, he actually bowed his knees addressing his god. Since then it has appeared the new kind lantern - Oribe-toro.
This is just one of the many colorful legends that accompany almost every Toro lantern.
So, a Japanese stone lantern. By design, they can be combined into groups:
♦ lanterns without a pedestal, which can be moved from place to place, or carried (some of them have special handles for this). Usually, these are small lanterns that are placed along the paths or carried next to the gentleman, illuminating his path. Outwardly, they resemble Chinese lanterns laid on their sides.
♦ lanterns without a pedestal, the bottom of which is buried in the ground. Like the previous group, these are small lanterns that mark paths or stone pools.
♦ the most common group is lanterns on a pedestal. Depending on the type of lantern, they are erected in some special places: a place for conversations between the owner and the guest of honor, at the entrance to the house, a place for tea ceremonies or meditations, etc. The sizes of representatives of this group vary from 30 centimeters to 3 meters.
All toros are made only by hand. In terms of purpose and appearance, the more common types are: Oki, Oribe, Kasuga, Yamadoro, and Yakimi (or sometimes voiced as Yukimi). The well-known name is combined from the name of the lantern itself, and the word ″toro″ added through a hyphen, and translated means ″stone lantern″. That is, the full name of the lantern will be: Oki-toro, Yakimi-toro, etc.
A little about the lanterns themselves:
Oki-toro. The younger brother of the Toro family, a low lantern, up to 40 cm tall. Their special feature is that they do not have a base stone. They are erected on the shore of a small or already dry pond, in a Zen garden.
Oribe-toro, or "Master Oribe's Lantern." His individuality - on the side of the support that is invisible to the eye of the eyewitness, the relief of a person is necessarily depicted. Like other stone brethren, Oribe-toro also has its own location in the garden - close to the place of chano-yu, and directly near tsukubai. The height, most often, is slightly higher than the ritual bowl.
Kasugo-toro. The most elegant and tallest of the listed lanterns are often installed in pairs, marking the entrance to a house or gazebo. It is distinguished by a round, long, column-shaped support, and a hexagonal roof with sharply turned upward corners, as well as ornate ornaments, inscriptions, and elegant designs carved on almost all elements of the lantern. The height of Kasugo-toro is from half a meter to 3 meters.
Yamadoro-toro. Height not more than a meter, asymmetrical, made of untreated, or lightly and roughly processed, free-form stone. This lantern, with its emphasized antiquity, like a puzzle element, clearly fits into the dark nooks of the garden that are not accessible to sunlight. And covered with moss and lichen, it creates the impression of a mysterious artifact of the ancients that has grown into the ground over centuries, which makes it especially attractive. It is also notable for its tetrahedral chamber, which has one large round through hole.
Yakimi-toro (or Yukimi-toro). In a country where nature is in no hurry to pamper its inhabitants with the presence of a long-standing snow cover, it is not surprising that a lantern appears, the name of which, translated roughly, sounds like “Lantern for admiring snow.” The main difference between this toro and other lanterns is its increased roof area and three or four supporting legs. This type of lantern must be installed at the very edge of the pond or on a spit so that, together with the toro, you can see its reflection in the pond.
Imagine the picture. Garden, late evening... At the edge of a reservoir that has not yet been covered with ice, like a short Mexican wearing a wide and too tall sombrero on his head, the sculpture of a Yakimi-toro froze. Under the roof of the lantern, with yellow-red warm reflections, the fire of lit candles dances a mysterious dance, echoed by its twin brothers on the surface of the water. And on the roof lay a cap of the first snow, shimmering with the cold sparkles of the reflected moon, which even in the pitch darkness had not lost its purest whiteness. Calming beauty... opening the path to memories of the past and philosophical reflections. I think the Yakimi-toro lantern deserves to be built next to a makeshift pond in your garden.
Tall and low, squat-wide and refined-slender - Toro lanterns, all so different in appearance, they are all similar in their design, because when assembling all types of Toro, elements of the same meaning and name are involved. There are six of them, and each is associated with a specific element (from bottom to top): the supporting stone (pedestal or stand) is the earth; support - water; lantern chamber stand and chamber - fire in the hearth; the roof is the wind; and the top is the firmament or top of the world.
The constructed Japanese lantern must energetically harmonize with the local climate, landscape and plants planted there; therefore, it is advisable to make the toro from the material of the given area. According to tradition, all elements of the lantern are made of stones different sizes, but with identical texture and the same color. Clay has traditionally been used to bind stones together for centuries, but today's craftsmen usually use modern mounting adhesives and mastics. The person erecting the toro must see in the composition a place and a “pose” for each selected stone, taking which it will always be directed “facing” the observer. When choosing a place for the toro, the layout of the lantern and the size of the stones, you can let your imagination go, but don’t forget that the toro is a Japanese lantern, and they erected the toro according to their traditions.
So, one warm evening, looking at your garden, you were suddenly struck by a bright thought: the garden is beautiful... trees are harmoniously planted, bizarre shapes of trimmed bushes, a smooth lawn, shiny with the naturalness of the earth, but... something is wrong, there is no zest... Anything unusual shape stone, or best of all, a stone lantern! And this will be a good choice, the Thoreau lantern is just that final “brush stroke” that, perhaps, will complete the picture created in your green paradise.
And here comes next choice: make a lantern yourself, or buy a ready-made Japanese stone lantern at a nearby decorative items store. But if your hands “have no time” and your eyes are “scared”, then order delivery of the finished product on our website. And then, when choosing a lantern, if you have a photograph of its future location, we will be able to tell you which toro will more harmoniously complement your live composition.
And may the new acquisition for your blooming paradise give you peace of mind and tranquility all subsequent summers!