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Stone Lanterns
The history of the Japanese stone lanterns began in China, where lanterns were for the first time made of cast iron. In Japan, stone lanterns were established from the tea-masters of the tea gardens. In addition to the stepping stones they were one of the most important elements of a garden. Since tea ceremonies are often held in the evening, they served to the guests the way to the teahouses to illuminate. Preference was soft and rough stones. However, as these were not durable to withstand adverse weather conditions, so it was converted to the hard stone granite. Meanwhile are a variety of lanterns available which offer even during the day a fantastic addition to any garden. Almost every lamp consists of several parts. Viewed from the top a "cap" form the conclusion. Then the "roof", on which rests on the "light box". This is reinforced by the "lantern plate" that sits on the "Shaft". These parts of the lantern is carried by a "bed plate". Exception to the rule are the so-called "Ikekomi-gata", the "dug-in lanterns". They have no base and are buried with the shaft. Strictly speaking, our lanterns are from the earth's crust. Granite is found virtually everywhere in the mainland and is an extremely hard and weathering solid rock . Each of our lanterns consists of several parts and looks like a tower out of blocks. This of course implies a much higher degree of Handicraft as the Fertiggußlaternen,because they are, unfortunately, somewhat more widespread. Even the details such as the small window frames were build by hand with fine electric hammers.
