{"product_id":"japanese-sekimori-ishi-barrier-stone-73240","title":"Japanese Sekimori-ishi Barrier Stone","description":"\u003cp\u003eA quiet boundary, expressed without words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Japanese Sekimori-ishi is made from natural obsidian from Hokkaido, Japan, and finished with a traditional white Edo-style braided cord.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale braided cord creates a beautiful contrast against the dark volcanic stone, while the compact proportions emphasize the rounded natural form of the obsidian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTHE MEANING OF SEKIMORI-ISHI\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSekimori-ishi has long been used in Japanese gardens and tea spaces as a subtle sign meaning “Please do not enter beyond this point.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than using a fence, rope, or written notice, a single stone placed along a path quietly communicates a boundary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt reflects a distinctly Japanese approach to space, expressing intention through a small gesture rather than an explicit instruction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally found in tea gardens and along garden paths, today a Sekimori stone can also be appreciated as a sculptural object that brings a sense of stillness and intention into a space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHOKKAIDO OBSIDIAN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stone used for this piece is natural obsidian from Hokkaido, Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObsidian is a natural volcanic glass created when molten volcanic material cools so rapidly that crystals have little time to form, producing its characteristic dark, glass-like appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHokkaido is home to some of Japan’s most important sources of obsidian, including the Shirataki area, known as Japan’s largest obsidian source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relationship between people and Hokkaido obsidian stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that obsidian from Shirataki was worked into stone tools during the Paleolithic period and transported over considerable distances across Hokkaido.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece is identified as Hokkaido obsidian and is not represented as specifically originating from Shirataki.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEDO-STYLE BRAIDED CORD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural black volcanic stone is wrapped with a white Edo-style braided cord.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe contrast between the irregular surface of the obsidian and the carefully braided cord gives the piece a distinctive presence, somewhere between a traditional Japanese garden object and a small sculptural work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSIZE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone width: approx. 8 cm \/ 3.15 in\u003cbr\u003e\nOverall height including cord: approx. 9.5 cm \/ 3.74 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Natural Hokkaido obsidian, braided cord\u003cbr\u003e\nMade in Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHOW TO DISPLAY\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, Sekimori-ishi is placed along a garden path or at the entrance to an area where guests are gently asked not to proceed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday it can also be displayed in a Japanese garden, tea room, entryway, shelf, tabletop, or other quiet interior space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt works beautifully as a wabi-sabi or Japandi interior object, a symbolic boundary marker, or simply as a distinctive Japanese sculptural object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePLEASE NOTE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece is made using natural stone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural cavities, irregularities, rough areas, variations in texture, and coloration are characteristics of the material and are not considered defects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a one-of-a-kind piece. The photographs show the actual Sekimori-ishi you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WabiSabi Kitchen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53965831602483,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/7130\/7827\/files\/Photoroom_20260831_212748.png?v=1788183292","url":"https:\/\/wabisabikitchen.net\/products\/japanese-sekimori-ishi-barrier-stone-73240","provider":"WabiSabi Kitchen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}