Click here for
Copyright / Usage Policies

Last Update January 11, 2005


ISHIDORO / ISHIDOUROU / ISHIDOOROO

JAPANESE STONE LANTERNS
Indigenous to Japan
Stone Lanterns and Memorial Markers
Offerings of Light, Garden Decorations
See Dosojin for Protective Stone Markers
See Gorintou for Buddhist Grave Markers
See Stones Top Menu for overview of all categories

INTRODUCTION
Text adapted from story by the Kyoto National Museum
www2.kyohaku.go.jp/mus_dict/hd24e.htm

In a tradition unique to Japan, the Tentouki (Tentoki) creature and Ryuutoki (Ryutoki) creature in above photo were originally evil, but after getting trampled by the Shitenno (Four Deva Kings), they repented, were saved, and now carry lanterns as offerings to the Historical Buddha. View the original statues at Koufuku-ji in Nara (Kamakura Era, 1215 AD). Approximately 78 centimeters in height, made of wood.

Lanterns were introduced to Japan as a Buddhist art form in the Asuka Period (6th century AD), and were used initially as votive lights at temples and shrines. Only in later times were they used for the practical purpose of lighting the grounds of religious precincts, tea houses, and private gardens. The earliest lanterns were designed to hold the sacred flame (the flame itself represents Buddha), but there were no windows or openings to let the light shine forth. The burning lamp is a common metaphor in Buddhist texts; it symbolizes the Buddhist teachings, the light that helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Many Buddhist sutras (scriptures) say it is virtuous to offer the light of a lamp to the Buddha, and so, the lanterns in front of temples and shrines were probably used initially as symbolic offerings or memorials to the Buddha.

During the Asuka Period, many artisans were sent to Japan from Korea's Paekche Dynasty, then under the rule of the Chinese Southern Dynasty. These specialized temple architects and carpenters, shingle makers, painters and other craftspeople brought with them knowledge of the sophisticated culture of China. The imperial Asuka government welcomed these craftspeople and had them build the first temple in Japan, the Asuka Temple in Nara. Among the archaeological artifacts excavated from remains of Asuka Temple's main hall was a foundation stone of a white marble lantern. This shows that Japanese lanterns actually developed from earlier Chinese technology! 

The oldest complete lantern in existence today is the 1300-year-old-Asuka-period lantern in front of Taimaji Temple in Nara. The second oldest is an 850-year-old (late Heian Period) lantern called Yunoki Toro (Citrus-Tree Lantern; see photo at right) at Kasuga Shrine in Nara. After the Heian Period came the Kamakura Period (1185-1333 AD), which is known as the golden age of stone carving. Over 100 Kamakura lanterns exist today, primarily from the Kinki Region (Midwestern Japan, including Kyoto and Osaka). The Kyoto National Museum has three Kamakura lanterns. Click here for photos of the three <end museum quote>

Below text courtesy of
www.thejapaneseconnection.com/Toro/
The lantern was introduced to Japan at the same time as Buddhism, in the 6th century. The ishidoro (literally "stone lantern") is the most common type, gracing gardens, temples and shrines throughout Japan even today. Typically made of granite or syenite, ishidoro come in many different sizes and shapes, but common to them all is a hollowed upper part, made to hold electric lights, candles, or oil lamps, lighted on special occasions. The 2,000 ishidoro that line the approach to the Kasuga Shrine in Nara (see below photo) are perhaps the most well-known in Japan. They are lighted twice a year, for the lantern festivals held in February and August. Secular use of the ishidoro did not begin in Japan until the 16th century, when tea ceremony masters began to use them to decorate their tea gardens. Today Ishidoro are a common feature of many private gardens throughout Japan. Sanskrit letters or Buddhist icons/scriptures are typically engraved on the ishidoro. <end quote from japaneseconnection> 

OFFERINGS OF LIGHT
灯明供養 （とうみょうくよう）
Lighting Ceremony Associated with the Deceased
Mt. Koya (Kii Peninsula, Wakayama Prefecture) is the sacred mountain of Japan's Shingon Sect of Esoteric Buddhism. A mountain monastery called Kongobuji was established here in 816 AD by Kukai (aka Kobo Daishi, 774 - 835 AD, founder of Japan's Shingon Sect). Kukai is also intimately associated with the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Since its founding until today, Kongobuji has served as the center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, and Mt. Koya remains one of modern Japan's most popular pilgrimage sites. The monastery is a vast repository of Buddhist art, especially mandalas, stone lanterns and moss-covered gravestones. Dainichi Nyorai and Fudo Myo-o are two of the sect's most revered deities. Kobo Daishi's name literally means "great teacher of Buddhism." He is also credited with creating Japan's hiragana syllabary.

The holiest place at Koyasan is the innermost temple (Oku no In 奥の院), which houses the tomb of Kobo Daishi. In front of the mausoleum is the Hall of the Lamps (Lantern Hall, Tourou-dou, 灯篭堂). Two sacred fires, which reportedly have been burning since the 11th century, are kept safely inside. Buy a white candle, light it, and wish for anything you want. Then sit back and watch respectfully as Buddhists and pilgrims from around the nation come to chant and pay respects to Kukai (aka Kobo Daishi). The Lantern Hall houses about 21,000 lanterns, donated by prime ministers, emperors, and others. If you'd like to buy a lantern to dedicate to someone, it costs from 500,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen. You can also rent a lantern for a period of time as a religious service to a lost soul or relative. For three days you pay 1000 yen, for a whole year about 500 dollars. The ceiling of the hall is resplendent with these lamps, and in the vicinity are rows and rows of hanging lanterns, on which are written the name of the deceased and the time/date until the lamp will remain burning. For fees on renting a lantern at Koyasan, please visit this site (Japanese language). For a Japan Times story about Koyasan, click here. 

OFFERINGS OF LIGHT
Below text courtesy of Dr. Gabi Greve
The Offering of Light (Toumyou 灯明; Sanskrit = diipa; ceremony associated with the deceased), together with incense, flowers, water and other things to please the deities, is a custom that originated in India with the spread of Buddhism. First, oil from plants was used, later candles and nowadays, of course, electric lights are used. The symbolism of light in the Buddhist context is to "tear away the darkness of illusion through the all-penetrating light of the Buddha." The Buddha light brings wisdom and compassion to all humankind, and, it is said, at the end of your life, it will lead you to the Western Paradise. The well-known "Hall of Lanterns" (see above) at Mt. Koya is a place for people to make the offering of light. Legend says that, in 1016 AD, the Monk Kishin saw a bright light on the moss in front of Kukai's mausoleum. So he placed a candle on that spot and lit it. According to legend, the light of that candle has never ceased burning. Today this light is known as Kiezu no Toumyou (the never-ending light, 消えずの灯明). Other temples have their own "never-ending light," which is generally refered to as Jouyatou じょうやとう.

Light offerings are an important ritual at many temples even today. One prominent example is the "festival of ten thousand lights" at Toudaiji Temple. This light festival, known as Mandou-e (万灯会), is held on August 15 each year, during the O-Bon festival period. More than 2,500 graves around the temple are all lit with candles. In Esoteric Buddhism, moreover, votive offerings are specifically associated with certain Bodhisattva (Bosatsu), known as the Offering Bosatsu (Kuyou Bosatsu, 供養菩薩). The one most closely associated with offerings of light is Kongoutou Bosatsu （金剛灯菩薩）. Offerings of light are also customary in Japanese Buddhist funerals. After the funeral, it is customary to keep a light, called the Mujintou 無尽灯, burning for 49 consecutive days. Japan's many fire festivals (Hi-matsuri 火祭り) may also be connected to this belief in the offering of light to the deities. Elsewhere, the Lotus Sutra (Hokke-kyou 法華経) describes seven deities who are especially associated with offerings of light.

• Joukoubutsu 定光仏
• Toumyoubutsu 燈明仏
• Niman Toumyoubutsu 二萬燈明仏
• Sanman Toumyoubutsu 三萬燈明仏
• Nichi-gatsu Toumyoubutsu 日月燈明仏
  The two Buddhas of Sunlight and Moonlight
• Myoukou Bosatsu 妙光菩薩
• The above deities all belong to a grouping known as the "Secret Buddhas of the 30 Days" (Sanjuunichi Hibutsu 三十日秘仏). For a complete listing of the 30 deities, please visit this Japanese-language site.  

There is also Nentou Buddha (Dpankara Buddha), who is not often represented in artwork in Japan. Called the Buddha of Burning Light (大和竭羅; Skt. = Dapankara, Dipankara, Dpankara). Click here for a few more details about this deity. <end quote by Dr. Gabi Greve> 

JAPANESE LANTERNS
燈篭 (とうろう); Tourou
Below text courtesy JAANUS.
The Japanese characters for stone lantern can also be written 灯篭. The earliest lanterns were introduced to Japan from China through Korea along with Buddhism in the 6th century. Several types of lanterns were popular in Japan:

1. ISHIDORO (石灯籠). Stone lanterns. First used as votive lights at temples and shrines. Later they were used to light the ground of these religious precincts. Secular use began in the 16th century when stone lanterns were used by tea masters for gardens surrounding their tea huts. There are about nine major categories of stone lanterns based on general shapes and over 75 sub-categories. All include a hollowed-out upper section which hold a light. See JAANUS for an excellent photo tour of the various lantern styles.

2. TSURIDOUROU (釣灯篭). Hanging metal lanterns usually of bronze or iron, were hung from the corner eaves at palatial residences, temples and shrines.

Hanging Lanterns at Kasuga Shrine in Nara.
 The shrine is famous for its many lanterns and five-tier pagodas.

3. ANDON (行灯). Standing oil lanterns had iron or wood frames. There were many different shapes and sizes which burned oil in shallow saucers suspended within a frame covered with paper. This type of lantern became popular during the Edo period and was used in private homes.

4. BOMBORI (雪洞). Portable lanterns were distinctively hexagonal, with wood or metal frames covered with paper, or glass in later years. They generally had poles attached horizontally to the top of the frame for ease of transportation.

5. CHOUCHIN  (提灯). Paper lanterns were used outside the house and suspended from the eaves of buildings or carried in processions. The frame was a collapsible structure of thin bamboo strips covered with paper. A candle was placed inside. Chouchin were made in various sizes, shapes and colors and were often decorated with the names or logos of restaurants or inns. <end JAANUS quote> <Following text courtesy of L'asie Exotique> When a Westerner thinks of a Japanese lantern, the first object that springs to mind is the chochin, a collapsible lantern crafted of bamboo and covered with oiled paper. It is stretched out like an accordion when in use, but collapsed when not in use. Chochin can be hung or carried as a travelling lantern. The shapes vary tremendously from prefecture to prefectture. These lanterns were originally illuminated by candles. Replications can still be seen in Japan, outfitted electrically. Unfortunately, Edo period chochin rarely exist today since the nature of their design is somewhat fragile and does not sustain endured use.

ABOVE PHOTO: This Zen temple (Rinzai Sect) was founded in 1397 with the help of priest Guuchuu. Today it is one of Japan's biggest Zen mountain temples. It features retreats every month and also welcomes foreigners. Located near Hiroshima. The temple is also quite beautiful in the autumn as the maple trees turn red. For more photos of the temple, please visit Gabi's photo gallery. 

GLOSSARY OF KEY WORDS Not inclusive. See above text for more words & definitions. Japanese Hiragana English 燈篭 とうろう Tourou, Toro, Doro, Dourou, Tooroo, Dooroo (Lantern). Also written 灯篭. A lantern. The earliest were introduced to Japan from China through Korea along with Buddhism in the 6th century. See above for details and images. A good pictorial review can be found here by JAANUS. 石燈篭 いしどうろう Ishidourou (Stone Lantern). Also written 石灯籠. See above for details and images. 粘土五輪塔婆 ねんど ごりんとうば Nendogorintouba (Clay Latern) 金灯篭 かなどうろう Kanadourou (Metal Lantern) 八角型   Hakkakukei (Octagonal Type Lantern) 釣り灯篭 釣り燈篭 つりどうろう Photo courtesy of L'asie Exotique. Visit their site for a fun review of illumination in Edo-Period Japan   Tsuridourou (Hanging Lanterns) 瑠璃燈篭 るりどうろう Ruridourou (Lazuline hanging lantern made of lapislazuli) 輪燈 りんとう Rintou Round Hanging Lanterns 燈明供養 灯明供養 とうみょう くよう Toumyou Kuyou (Buddhist ceremony of offering light to the deities). The burning lamp is a common metaphor in Buddhist texts; it symbolizes the Buddhist teachings, the light that helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Toumyou refers to the lamp hung before a Buddha as symbol of his wisdom. Kuyou means offering. Many Buddhist scriptures, or sutras, say it is virtuous to offer the light of a lamp to the Buddha, and so, the lanterns in front of temples and pagodas were probably used initially as symbolic offerings or memorials to the Buddhas. 燃燈供養 然燈佛 燃燈佛 大和竭羅 Nendo Butsu Dapankara Buddha Photo courtesy of Miho Museum For text details, please click here.   ねんとう くよう Nentou Kuyou. (Decorations for offerings of light.) Nendo (or Nentou) Buddha is the Japanese name for Dapankara (Dpankara) Buddha, who is the Buddha of Burning Light; also called 大和竭羅. The 24th predecessor of Shaka Nyorai (the Historical Buddha), who always appears when the Buddha preaches the themes of the Lotus Sutra. In the second lifetime of Shaka's incalculable eons of practice, he assured Shaka that he (Shaka) would attain Buddhahood. Also written 燃燈佛; also 錠光; also 提竭; also 提和竭. Here, 錠 also means an oil lamp. Dipankara, the Buddha of Fixed Light Sometimes equated with Adibuddha, the "original Buddha." Since about the 17th century his cult has been popular with Nepalese Buddhists who consider him a protector of merchants and associate him with alms-giving. One of Dipankara's local names, the "Samyak god," refers to an alms-giving festival. 燈燭 とうしょく Toushoku (Funeral Lanterns) 燭台 燈台 or 灯台 しょくだい Shokudai or Toudai (Candle Holders). Usually found at the four sides of an alter to provide light; when equipped with many arms, it is called a tatougata toudai; with chrysanthemum decorations it is called kikutoudai 菊燈台 行燈 行燈絵 Description courtesy JAANUS あんどん Andon and Andon-e. ANDON are standing oil lanterns (andon 行灯) with iron or wood frames. There were many different shapes and sizes which burned oil in shallow saucers suspended within a frame covered with paper. This type of lantern became popular during the Edo period and was used in private homes. Oil dishes called aburazara 油皿 were placed under the portable room lantern (andon 行燈). They were frequently used in every household until the electric light took over. ANDON-E are paintings on paper lanterns that adorn temple and shrine precincts and the gates of residences during a festival. Generally, a well-known personage or artist would decorate these lanterns with written characters and painted designs, but because the lanterns then were displayed outdoors, it was difficult to preserve them. Some examples remain today, as do some of the preliminary sketches for the designs before they were brushed onto the lanterns. Images of these painted paper lanterns can be seen in multi-colored prints by Utagawa Kunisada 歌川国貞 (Toyokuni III 三代豊国;1786-1864) and Keisai Eisen 溪斎英泉 (1791-1848) and in painted handscrolls by Kuwagata Keisai 鍬形(けい)斎 (1764-1824). 火袋 Description courtesy JAANUS ひぶくろ Hibukuro. The pocket-like or box-like space in a fire box or stove (kamado 竈), where the fuel is burned. Also, the place where the fire is lighted in a stone lantern, ishidourou 石燈籠. It is located below the hood (kasa 笠), of the lantern and is hollowed out before the hood is added. The shape of the hibukuro varies. It may be round, square, hexagonal or octagonal. The light openings are not limited to the basic geometric patterns but may include quarter or half moons and other imaginative openings. The fire itself is usually produced by lighting an oil wick. Very often paper pasted to a wooden frame covers the openings to give a soft, pleasant glow. 笠 Description courtesy JAANUS かさ Kasa. Literally "umbrella." The part of a stone lantern (ishidourou 石灯籠) that acts as an umbrella over the fire box (hibukuro 火袋). Usually kasa are square or hexagonal, but only rarely octagonal. Occasionally, they are round. The roof line, from the top to the edge, is usually constructed in a convex-concave pattern, but it may be cambered or given a wavy outline. At the intervals dividing the kasa into sections, there are raised strips called kudarimune 降棟. These terminate in scroll or spiral embellishments called warabide 蕨手. 石幢形石灯籠 Description courtesy JAANUS せきどうがたいしどうろう Sekidougata Ishidourou. A type of stone lantern (ishidourou 石灯籠). Shaped like a Buddhist memorial (sekidou 石幢), it has a hexagonal or octagonal base with a faceted pillar on it. On top of the pillar is the fire box, topped with canopy and sacred jewel, common to most stone lanterns. The special characteristic of the sekidougata ishidourou are the Six Buddhas carved in relief on each face of the fire box. Originally derived from the sekidou, a monument displaying Buddhist relief carvings, it is thought that the fire hole was carved out to adapt the monument to function as a lantern. マリア灯籠 Description courtesy JAANUS マリアとうろう Maria Tourou. Also referred to as "Christian" lanterns ( kirishitan dourou キリシタン灯籠.). An Oribe-type lantern (oribe dourou 織部灯籠) with an image of Christ or the Virgin Mary carved on the base (sao 竿). Relatively small-scale, with the base directly planted in the ground, and a square canopy topped with the jewel form (houju 宝珠). This type of lantern became popular from the late 16c.  万燈篭 まんとうえ Mantou and Mantou-e. Ceremony or procession of people holding lanterns. Also called the "Candle Light Festival." See Todaiji Temple above. 節分万燈篭　Setsubun Mantourou 観音万燈会 Kannon Mantou-e

LEARN MORE

• PHOTO TOUR OF ISHIDORO IN JAPAN
   
• JAANUS. Outside site.
  Japanese Architecture & Art Net User System. Highly recommended. A photo tour of various lantern types can be found here.
   
• Dosojin (Protective Stone Markers)
   
• Magaibutsu (Buddhist Images Carved on Cliffs)
   
• Sekibutsu (Free-standing Buddhist Images Carved in Stone)
   
• Gravestones, Gorinto, Five-Element Stone Pagodas
   
• Japanese-language links to Dosojin Stone Markers.
  Numerous photo tours of stone markers nationwide. 
   
• Photo Galleries (Outside Sites)
  
  GARDEN LANTERNS
  www.geocities.jp/
  sankyo_niwaishi/element2.htm
  Good pics of traditional garden lanterns (4, 6, 8 sided, etc.)
  
  KOYASAN, KONGOBUJI TEMPLE
  Stone gravestones & lanterns at Koyasan.
  http://inoues.net/club/okunoin.html
  Takes a while to load, but the many photos give you a good impression of the walk in the woods along the path to the Hall of Lanterns and Oku no In at Koyasan Monestary.
  
  UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA, KURIMOTO JAPANESE GARDEN
  www.devonian.ualberta.ca/kjglant.html
  
  ANDON
  The Japanese Art of Illumination
  www.lasieexotique.com/mag_illuminations.html
  
  BUY JAPANESE STONE LANTERNS ONLINE
  www.jlifeinternational.com/stonelantern_e.html
  
  ONLINE STORE JAPANESE GARDEN LANTERNS
  www.buildajapanesegarden.com/lanterns.html
  
  JGARDEN GLOSSARY
  www.jgarden.org/glossary.asp
  
  OBON - Lantern Festival
  starbulletin.com/2004/
  05/29/features/story1.html
  
  FUNERAL LANTERNS
  www.noto.co.jp/
  sentoku/senkata/kata2.html
  
  LANTERNS
  Kasuga Shrine, Obon
  pictures.nicolas.delerue.org/japan/200408_Nara_Obon/
  
  OFFERING OF LIGHTS
  darumapilgrim.blogspot.com/2004/02/koya-san-in-wakayama.html
  www.frommers.com/destinations/mtkoya/2930010029.html
  www.fukuouji.com/houwa11gatu.htm (Japanese only)
  
  GETTING HOLY IN WAKAYAMA
  Japan Times Story (Dec. 10, 2004) by Mariko Yasumoto
  www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?fv20041210a1.htm

Copyright Mark Schumacher. Email Mark.
All stories and photos, unless specified otherwise, by Mark
www.onmarkproductions.com