Traditional East Asian lanterns crafted from stone, wood, or metal have embarked on a remarkable historical journey. Originating in China, these lanterns made their way to Japan, where they are commonly found in gardens and at temples, illuminating paths and adding a touch of history to the surroundings.

In Chinese, they are called Denglong; in Japanese, they are called toro, which means light basket or light tower; and ishi-doro, which means stone lantern.

The earliest report of their use comes from the Han Dynasty in 202 BCE. They later made their way to Japan, becoming popular in the 6th century as part of the Buddhist tradition.

The oldest stone lantern in Japan is in Nara. It is believed to be over 1300 years old and is called Taima-ji. There are 100 more from this period, especially in the historic city of Kyoto. 

Many lanterns are placed at the edge of land and water – and if they have three legs, one leg is on land and the other two in the water.

According to feng shui, stone lanterns play a crucial role in bringing balance and harmony to the garden. Beyond their practical function of illuminating paths during the night, these lanterns were primarily used for religious ceremonies until the end of the 16th century, instilling a sense of tranquility and peace in their surroundings. 

However, with the advent of the 17th century, commoners started using stone lanterns to light their tea gardens, as tea has a great symbolic value in Japan.

Lanterns made from granite or sandstone also have significant meaning. The light of the stone lamp symbolizes love, brightness, and refuge from evil, adding a profound layer of cultural significance to these beautiful structures.

The perfect gift for wooden jigsaw puzzlers and Asian Art enthusiasts, this traditional adult wooden jigsaw puzzle can be done time and again. Our wooden jigsaw puzzle artists have included many shaped whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the theme of the painting, and we have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden jigsaw puzzle together.