The lantern was introduced to Japan at the same time as Buddhism, in the 6th century. The ishi-doro or stone lantern is the most common type, gracing gardens, temples and shrines throughout Japan. Ishi-doro 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 2000 ishi-doro that line the approaches to the Kasuga Shrine in Nara, are perhaps the most well-known in Japan. They are lighted twice a year, in February and August. Secular use of the ishi-doro did not begin in Japan until the late 1500s when tea ceremony masters began to use them to decorate their tea gardens.

Ikeda-san is a renowned maker of every type of ishi-doro, who resides in central, Western Honshu, in the heart of one of Japan's best-preserved rural, traditional areas.

Click here to begin browsing Ikeda-san's Japanese stone garden lanterns.