ISHIMO’s mission is to convey Japan’s stone culture to people and connect it to the future. In our series, exploring the charm of stones, we introduce various domestic stones handled by ISHIMO. Through stone, take the opportunity to explore Japan’s environment and culture and rediscover its beauty.
On today’s blog, we will be excavating the Hanazawa stone, uncovering its characteristics and ancient beauty.
What is Hanazawa Stone?
Hanazawa stone (はなざわいし) is a white granite from Aichi Prefecture. It is quarried from Rokushosan, one of the Mikawa Three Holy Mountains, located in Hanazawa-cho, Toyota City. Mining of this stone began around the 20th year of the Meiji era (1816 to 1912), and it has been cherished in Aichi Prefecture as a material used for gravestones and sculptures throughout time.
Strong Adhesiveness
The most notable characteristic of Hanazawa stone is its strong adhesiveness. With a moderate hardness, it is easy to work with and is well-suited for intricate sculptural details. Local artisans prefer using it for sculptures such as stone pagodas and Buddhist statues.
Texture and Grain
Hanazawa stone has a fine, uniform texture with a low water absorption rate and high durability. Its well-defined grain is free of imperfections, allowing for easy polish and shine.
Rich Historical Relevance
Hanazawa stone has a long history of being used in historical artworks. Notable examples include the Dainichi Nyorai statue at Miidera Temple, which is a major temple of the Tendai denomination in Shiga Prefecture. It’s also used for the statue of Dengyō Daishi at Hieizan Enryakuji in Kyoto, another key Tendai temple. Additionally, the stone is found in the Shumisan dōji Roku Jizō statue, which is displayed in the British Museum. These pieces highlight the stone’s significance in traditional craftsmanship and religious art.
Products Made from Hanazawa Stone
At ISHIMO, we offer stone Buddha statues and Gorintō (five-story pagodas) made from Hanazawa stone. Our “Yume Jizō” (Dream Jizō) is a hand-carved statue crafted by skilled stone artisans. This traditional artwork features a very gentle expression and a rounded form that looks pleasant from any angle. To enhance its facial features, we apply ink to make them more pronounced. The statue won’t lose color even when exposed to rain, making it suitable for outdoor gardens. It is also lightweight and easy to move, allowing for simple cleaning and maintenance.
ISHIMO carefully selects only the most high-quality stone materials from domestic production areas, offering products crafted by traditional artisans and skilled stone masons who continue to uphold traditional techniques passed down through generations. We invite you to take a look at our online shop!