Japanese Lantern (Washington, D
are a type of traditional East Asian lantern made of stone, wood, or metal. Originating in China, stone lanterns spread to Japan, Korea and Vietnam, though they are most commonly found in both China – extant in Buddhist temples and traditional Chinese gardens – and Japan. In Japan, were originally used only in Buddhist temples in Japan, Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths. Lit lanterns were then considered an offering to Buddha. Their use in Shinto shrines and also private homes started during the Heian period (794–1185). Stone lanterns have been known in China as early as the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), and prevailed from the Wei-Jin period, Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern dynasties, Southern and Northern Dynasties all the way up to the Tang dynasty, Tang Dynasty, when they were introduced to Japan. The oldest extant bronze and stone lanterns in Japan can be found in Nara, Nara, Nara. Taima-dera has a stone lantern built during the Nara period, ...
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