Stone Lanterns or "Ishi-Doro" History

Lanterns were originally introduced into Japan by China. The first ones were made of metal and primarily used to light doorways to shrines and temples. They were later made of stone for use in gardens, but it wasn't until they were introduced into Japanese tea gardens by tea-master Sen-no-Rikkyu did they really become a major garden element. Japanese tea ceremonies were often held in the evenings and light was needed to guide guests to the tea room. Japanese stone lanterns can be classified into four basic categories; tachi-gata (pedestal lanterns), ikekomi-gata (buried lanterns), oki-gata (small, set lanterns) and yukimi-gata (snow viewing lanterns). Today, Japanese stone lanterns are primarily used for garden enhancements and for visual delight.

Pre-drilled with a hole for electrical - Granite lanterns that state they are "pre-drilled with a hole for electrical" means that the lantern is drilled with a approximately a 3/4" hole up through the inside of the granite lantern up to the light box. This is a wonderful feature for it allows you to install low voltage electrical wiring if you should decide to enlighten in your garden! Electrical wiring is not included but can be found at all hardware stores in the outside landscape lighting section.

Choosing A Size:
Choose a size that is appropriate to your garden. Visualize the items size (both height and width) and the appearance in its intended garden placement. A small garden with an oversized lantern will feel overbearing and a large garden with a lantern that is too small will feel un-proportional. If you are not sure, use objects around the home or garden as props to get a better feel for the size. Shown in the picture is the 4' oribe lantern and a 2' kiku basin.

Click any image for close-up view

Oribe Lantern
First produced in the Momyana period by warlord Furuta Oribe, oribe lanterns are among the oldest Japanese garden lanterns known. The stone lantern is a classic representation of a "planted" style for they do not have a base at the bottom. The oribe lantern has a carved Buddha at the base of the lantern and often thought of it to be that of a praying missionary, thus sometimes it is referred to as the "Christian" lantern. 

Predrilled with a hole for electrical. 5 separately carved pieces.

30"H x 10"W, Weight: 200 lbs., Item # GLOR30, Price: $229
36"H x 14"W, Weight: 240 lbs., Item # GLOR36, Price: $269
48"H x 18"W, Weight: 360 lbs., Item # GLOR48, Price: $359
60"H x 22"W, Weight: 670 lbs., Item # GLOR60, Price: $549

Kasuga Lantern
The Kasuga lantern is a classic example of a Japanese "tachi-gata" or pedestal style lantern. This style of lantern dates back to the Ashikaga period.  It was traditionally used as a "guardian" lantern at Japanese Buddhist temples and are frequently seen at entrances to Japanese tea gardens. It is commonly used as a focal point and the stone carvings on the light box often relate to its origin.

Predrilled with a hole for electrical. 6 separately carved pieces

48"H x 18"W, Weight 600 lbs. Item # GLKASU48, Price: $699
60"H x 22"W, Weight 930 lbs. Item # GLKASU60, Price: $899

Riverside Lantern
Riverside lanterns are usually placed to overlook a pond or stream for they create a beautiful image in the water reflection. 6 separately carved pieces

36"H x 16"W, Weight: 360, Item # GLRS36, Price $459
48"H x 20"W, Weight: 580, Item # GLRS48, Price $559

Kotoji Lantern
This lantern is an outstanding symbol of Japanese creative symmetry in stone. The lantern is named Kotoji meaning "harp tuner", for the two legs on which the body of the lantern stands are said to resemble to tuning forks of the Japanese musical instrument "koto". Usually one leg is placed on the land and the other in water, reflecting the interdependence of land and water. 7 separately carved pieces

36"H x 13"W, Weight: 270 lbs. Item # GLKOT36, Price $439
48"H x 16"W, Weight: 350 lbs. Item # GLKOT48, Price $549

Miyoshi Lantern
The name of the originator "Miyoshi" is carved in the face of this elegant granite lantern. This is a classic ikekomi-gata (buried) style Japanese lantern. The lantern has two window openings, one on the front and one in the back. Small moon shaped windows grace the other two sides.  The Miyoshi lantern is stunning placed in an entry way or along a garden path. 

Predrilled with a hole for electrical. 2 separately carved pieces

30"H x 6"W, Weight: 180 lbs., Item # GLMIY30,  Price: $229
36"H x 7"W, Weight: 230 lbs., Item # GLMIY36,  Price: $269
48"H x 9"W, Weight: 340 lbs., Item # GLMIY48,  Price: $339
60"H x 13"W, Weight: 500 lbs., Item # GLMIY60,  Price: $499

Click image for close-up view (face of lantern is carved in kanji calligraphy)

Bowl Lantern (Beige granite)

Predrilled with a hole for electrical. 6 separately carved pieces. Has two window openings.

42"H x 17"W, Weight 380 lbs., Item # GLBW42, Price: $389

Click Here for Page 2 of our granite Lanterns

About our Granite - Compare our Quality & Service!

1. We are dedicated in providing only the highest quality carved granite products and take pride in providing outstanding service.

2. Compare our quality, fine craftsmanship and detailed carvings by clicking any picture on our website.

3. Exact freight costs are shown on our site so there are no surprise shipping costs involved when your granite or fences are delivered. Freight companies are very well known to tack on extra fees and costs.

4. Pre-Drilled For Electrical - Most lanterns including our yukimi lanterns we have pre-drilled with hole so you may install electrical if you decide to in the future. Lanterns that are pre-drilled are stated on our site. 

5. Service after the Sale - Should you ever break or lose a granite section of your lantern that was purchased from us, we will gladly order the replacement piece at replacement cost.

6. Consistent Quality for we never purchase low grade granite stone, low grade carved pieces, manufacturer defects or close-out mismatched pieces. We feel that it is very important to offer only the highest quality since granite sculptures are a visual life long element.

7. Click Here to see and compare our granite and service quality!

We hope you choose to make us your source for exquisite carved granite lanterns, basins and sculptures. Granite sculptures should be a life long joy and a joy that will be passed for generations to come!

shipping cost & info for granite & fences

To place an order for granite items call toll free Monday - Thursday 9am-2pm 1-877-226-4387 or (952)758-1921 

We take pride in offering only the highest quality granite and providing outstanding service. 

Have a question about our granite or fences email us.