Also written 灯篭. A lantern. The earliest were introduced to Japan from China through Korea along with Buddhism in the 6th century. Several types of lanterns were popular in Japan: 1) Stone lanterns ishidōrō 石灯籠 were used first as votive lights at temples and shrines. Later they were used to light the ground of these religious precincts. Secular use began in the 16th century, when stone lanterns were used by tea masters for gardens surrounding their tea huts. There are about 9 major categories of stone lanterns based on general shapes and over 75 sub-categories. All include a hollowed-out upper section which hold a light. 2) Hanging metal lanterns *tsuridōrō 釣灯籠, usually of bronze or iron, were hung from the corner eaves at palatial residences, temples, and shrines. 3) Standing oil lanterns andon 行灯 had iron or wood frames. There were many different shapes and sizes which burned oil in shallow saucers suspended within a frame covered with paper. This type of lantern became popular during the Edo period and was used in private homes. 4) Portable lanterns bonbori 雪洞 were distinctively hexagonal, with wood or metal frames covered with paper, or glass in later years. They generally had poles attached horizontally to the top of the frame for ease of transportation. 5) Paper lanterns chōchin 提灯 were used outside the house and suspended from the eaves of buildings or carried in processions. The frame was a collapsible structure of thin bamboo strips covered with paper. A candle was placed inside. Chōchin were made in various sizes, shapes, and colors and were often decorated with the names or logos of restaurants or inns.
a) kaen 火焔 b) *kakikubi 欠首 c) *ukebana 受花 d) kudarimune 降棟
e) *warabite 蕨手 f) *higuchi 灯口 g) ensō 円窓 h) *renben 蓮弁
i) fushi 節 j) *kaeribana 反花 k) kamiku 上区 l) nakaku 中区
m) shimoku 下区 n) *hōju 宝珠 o) *kasa 笠 p) *hibukuro 火袋
q) *chūdai 中台 r) *sao 竿 s) *kiso 基礎 t) *kidan 基壇
ishidōrō 石灯籠
Kasuga Taisha 春日大社 (Nara)