katsura-ishi 葛石

Keywords
Architecture
General Terms

Also pronounced kazura-ishi; also written 桂石.



1 Curbstones or edging stones, also known as *heri-ishi 縁石. Long, horizontal stones that form the topmost edge of a stone podium *danjōzumi 壇上積. See *kidan 基壇.



2 The curbstones used in a garden, street, or sidewalk. They may be cut into square or rectangular shapes or naturally rounded stones. Their size varies. They may also placed by a veranda entrance stone for removing one's shoes.



3 Edging stones used under the overhanging eaves of a tea ceremony house. Sometimes, they serve to deflect rain as it flows off the eaves. They form a neat border between the tea garden and the space under the eaves. Stones lining paths in a garden are also called katsura-ishi.