JAPANESE LANTERN; IKEKOMI-GATA

Stone lanterns were developed in 16^th century Japan as a method of lighting garden paths leading to tearooms. Traditional tea ceremonies were often held in the evening. Guests would be expected to attain a certain level of mental refinement before reaching the tearooms, aided by strolling through a peaceful inner garden. Every element of the tea ceremony was designed to discourage distraction and promote inner harmony. Various forms of lantern evolved: Ikekomi-gata (buried lanterns)

Ikekomi-gata lack a pedestal base and are therefore held steady by being buried in the ground. They are found throughout the tea garden, particularly close to a special hand-washing bowl, known as a tsukubai. In this series:Yojiru (twist) ikekomi-gata, Saiseki (stone) ikekomi-gata

Shown in Ancient Stone.