rengejigata tourou 　蓮華寺形灯籠

KEY WORD :　architecture / lanterns

1　Rengeji type lantern. So named because a pair of these lanterns stand in front of the main building at Rengeji 蓮華寺 in Kyoto. This type of lantern was not originally designed for garden use. It was first made during the Edo period and is said to have been a favorite of the famous poet and calligrapher, Ishikawa Jouzan 石川丈山 (1583-1672). The lanterns are well over 2 meters tall. The long, narrow canopy is similar to the shape of a partially closed umbrella and accounts for about 1/3 of the total height. The canopy looks like a sharply bent tile roof with six ridgepoles; eave-like structures are attached to the underside. On the very tips of these eaves are lotus crests. These, however, and the jewel *houju 宝珠 are thought to be later additions. The flame holder is covered with wide-spaced lattice work. On the middle base chuudai 中台 is carved horizontal latticework and lotus-pattered arabesques; carved lotus petal designs are carved around the middle and base of the stem *sao 竿. 2　A portable lantern found in the Rengeji garden. It is set on a round bean-cake shaped stone base; the umbrella/canopy is a half-sphere; there is a jewel at the top; the flame holder is round and its four sides are carved with the *kouzama 格狭間 design.

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