✨ What Looks Similar May Be Inherently Different

Many so-called “Japanese-style lanterns” are sold globally today. While their shapes may resemble each other, the materials, production methods, and underlying meaning vary greatly.

Here we introduce the four main types of lanterns commonly available in the market:

1. Concrete Lantern   2. Ceramic Lantern   3. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Granite Stone Lantern   4. Hand-Carved Granite Stone Lantern

Concrete, ceramic, CNC-carved, and hand-carved granite—
What defines a true Japanese Stone Lantern?

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🔢 Comparison Table of the 4 Types (Summary)

Aspect	1. Concrete Lantern	2. Ceramic Lantern	3. CNC Granite Lantern	4. Hand-Carved Granite Lantern
Material	Cement & sand	Clay (glazed or unglazed)	Natural granite	High-grade granite
Production Method	Cast molding	Pottery techniques	Automated CNC carving + minor hand finishing (Not used in Japan for traditional crafts)	Hand finishing with electric tools and chisels
Production Time	Hours to days	2–5 days	Hours to days	Days to weeks
Outdoor Suitability	✓ Depending on design	✗ Not suitable	✓ Good	✓ Excellent
Durability	△ Moderate	△ Indoor only	○ Stable	✓ Century-grade
Spiritual Value	✗ None	○ Folk charm	○ Lacks emotion	✓ Deeply spiritual
Cultural Significance	✗ None	○ Artistic	○ Industrial authenticity	✓ Culturally rooted
Traditional Lineage	✗ Imitation	△ Folk craft	△ Modern method (Not eligible for traditional craft status in Japan)	✓ Certified traditional craft
Price Range	Very affordable	Affordable–Mid	Mid–High	High

 

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📌 Detailed Commentary on Each Type

1. Concrete Lantern

Cost-effective and mass-produced through mold casting, concrete lanterns lack cultural and spiritual value. While suitable for budget landscaping, they are purely decorative and are not part of Japan’s authentic garden tradition.

2. Ceramic Lantern

Charming for indoor decoration with delicate shapes, but not weatherproof. These are not considered part of traditional Japanese stone craftsmanship, and their roots lie more in folk craft than temple or garden aesthetics.

3. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Granite Stone Lantern

These lanterns are manufactured with high dimensional accuracy and efficiency using CNC machines in a factory setting. However, in Japan, this production method is not recognized as a legitimate traditional craft technique and therefore does not qualify for designation as a traditional craft product. As a result, stone lanterns made with CNC machines are widely produced in countries where the cultural tradition of stone lanterns does not exist. These products are exported around the world without regard for cultural background or authenticity. This practice raises concerns related to "cultural appropriation"—a growing issue in today’s global society.

4. Hand-Carved Granite Stone Lantern

Each piece is carefully shaped by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques, electric tools, and chisels. Deeply embedded in Japan’s cultural heritage, these lanterns represent centuries of philosophy, faith, and landscape artistry. They alone are eligible for designation as traditional Japanese crafts.

About Traditional Craft Designation (Japan):
As of October 2024, 243 items are officially recognized as traditional crafts in Japan. Of these, four are stone-related:

• Izumo Stone Lantern (Designated: June 2, 1976)
• Okazaki Stone Works (Designated: August 3, 1979)
• Kyo Stone Crafts (Designated: March 5, 1982)
• Makabe Stone Lantern (Designated: April 5, 1995)

These are certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and must meet strict criteria: use of traditional techniques over 100 years old, handmade components, use of long-established materials, and regional cultural continuity.

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✅ Conclusion:

Machines can carve stone, but only the hands of an artisan can carve the soul.

Choosing a lantern for a Japanese garden means more than imitating appearances—it means asking how it was made, from what, and by whom. At Japanstones.shop, we exclusively carry Type 4: Hand-Carved Granite Lanterns. This is our policy—rooted in trust in Japan’s artisans and love from global enthusiasts.

Choose authenticity. Choose culture. Choose hand-carved granite.