Japanese Lantern Kasuga Style

Date December 22, 2011


The Kasuga style Japanese lantern is a classic.  Today it is often found at or near the entrance of Japanese gardens.  Dating back to the Ashikaga period it was traditionally used as a “guardian” lantern in Japanese temples.  When not used near a garden entrance it serves as a focal point like the one shown in our Spa Garden.  The Kasuga lantern is of the “tachigata” style, or pedestal style lantern.  This means that the shaft of the stone lantern rests on a pedestal.  The pedestal is often a rough carved base stone with just a small portion that is decoratively carved to receive the shaft portion of the lantern.   In many cases this lantern should be 60 or more inches in height.

I personally love Japanese lanterns, but would also encourage those who are interested in them for their Japanese garden to make sure the garden itself is ready.  These decorative items can sometimes over power a garden and make garden your project look cheap.  Lanterns are easily added later, especially if the location is prepped during construction for them.


Category Posted in Asian Gardens, Garden Art, Garden Types, Japanese Garden Design, Landscape, Sculpture

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