For thousands of years, Japanese gardens have defined the culture and customs of this country. Whenever people talk about garden landscaping, the first thing that comes to mind is a stone lantern. Among all Japanese decorations, lanterns are the most recognizable. It's true!
A bit of history
These are complex stone structures, including a base, stand, hollow lattice lantern with holes for light, and an Asian-style roof. Japanese garden lanterns (Ishi-Doro) originated thousands of years ago. At first they were made of metal and were mainly used to illuminate the entrances to temples. Later they were made of stone for use in Japanese garden landscaping. Japanese tea ceremonies were often held in the evening, so light was needed.
Basic Styles
There are four basic styles with many variations:
- Kasuga (Tachi-Gata). A classic example of a Japanese lantern. Its shape is like a pagoda. Large Kasugas are usually placed in a conspicuous place, such as in the center of a garden, next to a gate, entrance, or at the intersection of paths. Hetraditionally used as a guardian lantern.
- Misaki (Oki Gata). It is a small round lantern. The Japanese Misaki is often placed on a flat rock at the edge of a pond, just out of the water or at the edge of a path. Suitable for small compact gardens.
- Oribe (Ikekomi-Gata). This is a square Japanese lantern. It does not have a base stone at the bottom. He just stands on the ground. The Oribe lantern is adorned with a carved Buddha on its pedestal stone. It is sometimes also referred to as a "Christian" lantern. It is one of the oldest known Japanese lanterns.
- Yumiki (Yumiki-Gata). It is also known as a "snow watch". It is believed that in its greatest beauty it reflects the purity of simple lines. In the Japanese garden landscape, these lanterns are easily identified by the hexagonal, round, or octagonal roof that keeps snow out in winter, hence its second name. Yukimi lanterns are very popular for placement near water features such as ponds and streams, directly on the ground or on flat rock. In fact they are suitable for most areas of the landscape and can be placed anywhere to add a really nice feature to the garden.
Symbols and meanings
Japanese lantern symbolizes durability and strength, the ability to withstand adversity. Made of stone, they give the garden a natural look and feel of creativity and rich history.
There are lanterns, consisting of several levels, each of whichthere is 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. The gentle and soft beam evokes a wonderful sense of calm, especially at night.
Place in the garden
If you are thinking about buying a Japanese garden lantern, think carefully about the design first. Determining the correct location of a stone lantern is important in order to enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality. You can use the lantern as the focal point of the garden. Maybe you should combine it with a pond or fountain? The presence of soft lighting near the water will add an element of mysticism. This garden decoration may seem simple, but its artistic value is incomparable. Japanese garden lanterns have been around for centuries and have stood the test of time. Therefore, in a modern garden, they find their rightful place.
DIY Japanese lantern
Although there are a wide variety of options on the market, it is possible to 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 yourself with patience and diligence.
The best material for its manufacture is foam concrete. Gas silicate blocks have similar properties. They are easy to process. hewnthe dome, roof, pedestal, base of the lantern are subsequently connected using facade putty. Of course, it is desirable to first make a drawing. When all the parts are connected, the lantern can be painted, natural stone or aged. Bright colors are not acceptable for Japanese garden lights.
If gas silicate was used, it must be covered with cement-adhesive mortar 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 diffused. The base of the lantern should always be placed on a firm, level surface, with a small concrete slab or large rock providing a suitable solid support and preventing the lantern from sinking into the ground or tilting to one side or the other.
The main thing is that the DIY Japanese lantern blends naturally into the landscape of the garden.
