Kyo Ishi kougeihin (masonry) The technology for masonry was refiined in Kyoto with the construction of palaces and temples in the ancient capital, Heian Kyo. With the prosperity of Buddhism, pagodas, Buddha images and lanterns made of stone came to be made. Also, because of this, high quality stone started to be produced on Mount Hiei and Shirakawa Village, which was well-known as a masonry village. In the Kamakura period, with the develoment of various tools, Kyoto's masonry experienced great technological progress and because it developed in the background of the high culture of the capital, Kyoto masonry came to boast a quality of craftsmanship unknown in other regions. Further, it has been able to refine its technique through the demand of stone lanterns and stone basins used in tea ceremony. BACK