Kasuga Japanese Stone Lantern / Hand-Carved Natural Granite

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

A Thousand Years of Sacred Symbolism & Artisan Craftsmanship

The Kasuga Lantern represents the pinnacle of Japanese garden stonecraft. Originating from the UNESCO World Heritage Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara during the Heian Period (8th–12th Century), it stands as the most iconic and prestigious style of traditional Japanese stone masonry.

While classic models honor the messengers of Nara with reliefs of the Sacred Buck, Mount Mikasa, Auspicious Clouds, and the Moon, master stone carvers also offer refined seasonal and paired variations.

1. Elegant Relief Carvings: "Plum & Bush Warbler" (Ume ni Uguisu)
Some of our finest Kasuga lanterns feature intricate carvings of the Bush Warbler amidst Blooming Plum Blossoms on the front fire box. In Japanese culture, this classic pairing represents the joyful arrival of spring, aesthetic harmony, and good fortune.

2. The Sacred Paired Tradition: "Buck and Doe" Balance
When installed as a matching pair to frame a sacred pathway or garden entryway:
- Left Lantern: Carved with a standing Sacred Buck (Male Deer).
- Right Lantern: Carved with a resting Sacred Doe (Female Deer).
- Lattice Placement: The delicate openwork lattice windows face inward toward each other to guide the light along the central path.

This traditional pairing creates a perfectly balanced energy (Yin and Yang) symbolizing eternal harmony and marital union.

SPECIFICATIONS & CRAFTSMANSHIP

- Master Craftsman’s Choice: Natsuyama Granite

Hand-carved from Natsuyama Stone or fine Shiro-ishi (White Granite) from Okazaki, Japan—a region world-renowned for centuries of stone carving history. Exceptional durability allows the stone to age gracefully over decades, developing an authentic, moss-draped Wabi-Sabi patina.

- Natural Unrefined Pedestal (Jirin Base)
The base retains the raw, uncarved texture of the natural stone monolith. This intentional contrast between human craftsmanship and untamed nature creates a striking aesthetic balance.

• Proportions of Golden Harmony & Dimensions
  Carved strictly following ancient master ratios. Available in sizes ranging from 5.0 ft (approx. 150 cm) ideal for intimate courtyard gardens, up to magnificent 10.0 ft (approx. 345 cm) monument scales designed for expansive private estates or public landmarks.
  

• ### Size Chart: Traditional Japanese Scale (Shaku) to Metric Units

  - 5.0 Shaku : Approx. 1.52 m 
  - 6.0 Shaku : Approx. 1.82 m 
  - 7.0 Shaku : Approx. 2.12 m 
  - 8.0 Shaku : Approx. 2.42 m 
  - 9.0 Shaku : Approx. 2.73 m 
  - 10.0 Shaku : Approx. 3.03 m

  *Note: Total height may vary slightly (±5 cm) depending on the thickness of the uncarved natural stone pedestal (Jirin Base) and installation depth.*