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| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | The Tidal Basin in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic) |
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Japanese Stone Lantern
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By Tom Fuchs, March 25, 2006 | |
| | | 1. Japanese Stone Lantern Marker | | |
Inscription. The Gift of Light. Presented to the city of Washington on March 30, 1954, this stone lantern symbolizes the enduring cultural partnership that re-emerged between Japan and the United States after World War II. The lantern is one of two memorializing Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, or military lord, of the Tokugawa Dynasty, under his posthumous name Daiyuinden. Carved about 1651, it stood for over 300 years on the grounds of the Toeizan Kan'eiji Temple which contained the remains of the Tokugawa Shoguns. The temple was located in the ancient city of Edo, present-day Tokyo, in Ueno Park, a place famous for its cherry blossoms. Its twin stands there to this day.
The stone lantern is part of a gift-giving cycle that began in 1912 with Japan's donation of cherry trees. The lantern commemorates the 100th anniversary of Commodore Matthew Perry's historic mission to Japan and stands as a gesture of everlasting peace and friendship. It also represents the concept of healing wounds and moving toward universal understanding.
A Commemoration. Matthew Calbraith Perry, Commodore of the U.S. Navy, opened the doors of trade with Japan, ending the country's 200 year policy of isolationism.
Perry made two treks, first in 1852 and again in 1854, in an effort to secure safe entry of American vessels to Japanese | | | | 
By Tom Fuchs | |
| | | 2. Japanese Stone Lantern and 1912 Cherry Tree Markers | | |
ports for trade, obtain supplies for the commercial whaling fleet, and ensure a safe return of shipwrecked sailors. In March, 1854, improved relations with Japan became reality when representatives of Japan and the United States signed the Treaty of Kanagawa.
Lighting the Way. The National Park Service and the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) have conducted the Lantern Ceremony since 1954. Every year, the lantern is lit by the Embassy of Japan's appointed Cherry Blossom Princess.
The audience will count down from five, and like the Olympic torch, the lantern is lit in an exciting traditional event that signals the arrival of spring and represents one of the most beautiful times in the Nation's Capital.
Erected by National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Location. Marker has been confirmed missing. It was likely located near 38° 53.21′ N, 77° 2.476′ W. Marker was in The Tidal Basin, District of Columbia, in Washington. Marker was on Independence Avenue east of West Basin Drive, SW, on the right when traveling east. Click for map. Marker was in this post office area: Washington DC 20037, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location| | | | 
By Tom Fuchs, March 25, 2006 | |
| | | 3. Daiyuinden Memorial Lantern | | The inscription on the lantern translates as follows: This stone lantern is dedicated to Daiyuinden at the Toeizan Temple of Musashi Province this twentieth day of November of the fourth year of Keian by Matsuura-Shizunobu, Lord of Hizen. | | |
. The First Japanese Cherry Trees (here, next to this marker); Japanese Stone Lantern - Lighting the Way (here, next to this marker); Japanese Pagoda (within shouting distance of this marker); District of Columbia World War Memorial (about 700 feet away, in a direct line); John Paul Jones Memorial (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named John Paul Jones Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in The Tidal Basin.
Also see . . .
1. Life in the Tokugawa Period (1603–1868). (Submitted on April 3, 2006.)
2. Western Intrusions and the end of the Tokugawa Rule. (Submitted on April 3, 2006.)
Additional comments.
1. Anatomy of a Stone Lantern ~ ishidourou
A diagram on the marker describes each part of the stone lantern. From top to bottom:
houju — A sacred gem believed to possess the power to banish evil, cleanse corruption and satisfy wishes.
kasa — Acts as an umbrella over the fire box. A hexagonal shape, it terminates in scrolls with three cherry blossoms decorating the hood.
hiburkuro — Where the fire is lit. It is hexagonal and imaginative, with the full and crescent phases of the moon on the light openings.
chuudal — Middle base of lantern. Hexagonal with an inverted lotus forming the lower part.
sao — The shaft of the stone lantern that is set on a base and supports the entire lantern. The lantern bears an inscription written in Japanese on the side facing the water.
kiso — The base of a stone lantern.
kidan — The platform or podium.| | | | 
By Tom Fuchs, March 25, 2006 | |
| | | 4. Closeup of Diagram on Marker | | The text on this photo is transcribed in Comment No. 1. | | |
— Submitted April 2, 2006. |
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By Richard E. Miller, April 16, 2009 | |
| | | 5. New Japanese Stone Lantern Marker | | |
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Credits. This page originally submitted on April 2, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 14,697 times since then. Last updated on November 3, 2010, by TRCP Alliance of Birmingham, Alabama. Photos: 1. submitted on April 2, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 2. submitted on March 30, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on April 2, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 5. submitted on April 16, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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