Keywords
Architecture
Gardens
A dominating garden stone that is set in an upright position. The term appears first in the *Sakuteiki 作庭記 (Treatise on Garden Making) and was used not only in reference to the stone itself, but referred to the very creation of the garden. Although most stones in Heian period gardens were laid horizontally, the spirit or essence of the garden was expressed in the placement of this stone. All the techniques of setting this stone are given in minute detail in the Sakuteiki. Even now these techniques are used and remain the standard.