Perhaps the most striking feature in the garden of Nippon is a well-placed stone lantern. It gives a character. It was first introduced into the cha-no-yu garden from the compounds of temples and shrines, probably in the fifteenth century, by a tea-master for the purpose of lighting the garden in a highly artistic manner. So well adapted was it, that the people began using it in ordinary gardens as well, mainly for its decorative effect. Whether lighted or not, however, it stands in the garden symbolising light dispelling darkness. This should be borne in mind in placing it, even as a mere ornament.
