What is Granite Stone Lantern

Granite stone Lantern refers to the stone lantern, which is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood, or metal and has a long history and rich cultural connotations in East Asia. The following is a detailed introduction:

Origin and Spread

Origin in China：The granite stone lantern originated in China, with its earliest form being the lamp used when offering sacrifices to the Buddha, representing "vertical light". It can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, became popular from the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty, and was mostly used in temples.

Spread to Japan：During the Tang Dynasty, along with the introduction of Chinese Buddhism to Japan, granite stone lanterns also entered Japan. In Japan, they were initially used only in Buddhist temples and later spread to Shinto shrines and private homes.

Styles and Features

Diverse Shapes：There are various shapes of granite stone lanterns, such as cylindrical, square box-shaped, gourd-shaped, pyramid-shaped, and hemispherical. In China, the cylindrical one is the most common, with simple and practical characteristics. In Japan, in addition to the common shapes, there are also unique ones like the three-legged or four-legged 雪见灯笼 (snow-viewing lantern).

Exquisite Carvings：The surfaces of granite stone lanterns are often carved with delicate patterns and texts, such as dragons, phoenixes, auspicious clouds, flowers, and characters like "longevity" and "happiness", which are rich in symbolic meanings.

Structural Components：A typical Japanese stone lantern consists of six parts: the 宝珠 (jewel), 笠 (hat), 火袋 (fire bag), 中台 (middle platform), 竿 (pole), and 基础 (foundation). Each part has its own shape and symbolic meaning.

Cultural Significance

Religious Significance：In Buddhism, lighting a lamp symbolizes inner brightness, and the stone granite lantern is regarded as an offering to the Buddha, representing the pursuit of wisdom and the elimination of ignorance. In Shintoism, stone lanterns granite deor are also used in shrines to create a solemn and sacred atmosphere.

Symbol of Auspiciousness：In Chinese and Japanese cultures, stone lanterns are regarded as auspicious objects, which can ward off evil spirits, protect the family, and bring good luck and prosperity.

Aesthetic Value：Granite stone lanterns have high aesthetic value and are an important element of garden art. They can be placed in gardens, courtyards, temples, and other places to create a unique landscape effect and add a touch of elegance and tranquility.

Functions

Illumination：In ancient times, due to the limited lighting facilities, granite stone lanterns were used as a practical lighting tool to provide light at night.

Decoration：With their unique shapes and exquisite carvings, granite stone lanterns are often used to decorate various places, such as parks, gardens, courtyards, temples, and cemeteries, enhancing the beauty and cultural atmosphere of the environment.

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Written by Adeline Shi