In Japan a tōrō (灯籠 or 灯篭, 灯楼 light basket, light tower)[note 1]
is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood, or metal.
Like many other
elements of Japanese traditional architecture, it originated in China,
however extant specimen in that country are very rare, and in Korea they
are not as common as in Japan.[1]
In Japan, tōrō were originally used only in Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths. Lit lanterns were then considered an offering to Buddha.[2] During the Heian period (794-1185), however, they started being used also in Shinto shrines and private homes.[3]
Tōrō can be classified in two main types, the tsuri-dōrō (釣灯籠・掻灯・吊り灯籠 lit. hanging lamp), which usually hang from the eaves of a roof, and the dai-dōrō (台灯籠 lit. platform lamp) used in gardens and along the approach (sandō) of a shrine or temple.[3]
The oldest extant bronze and stone lanterns can be found in Nara.
In its complete, original form, like the gorintō and the pagoda the dai-dōrō represents the five elements of Buddhist cosmology.[5]
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