Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 22, 2026

Giboshi

Gibōshi (擬宝珠) is a type of ornamental finial used on Japanese railings. Gibōshi bridge ornaments resemble an onion; the ends are bulbous and typically come to a point. It is believed that the shape of gibōshi was from hōju which is used to decorate roofs. They are often found on bridges in Japanese gardens, temples and shinto shrines.

Last revised
Jun 22, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
114 w
Citations
4
Source

Gibōshi (擬宝珠) is a type of ornamental finial used on Japanese railings.1 Gibōshi bridge ornaments resemble an onion; the ends are bulbous and typically come to a point. It is believed that the shape of gibōshi was from hōju (宝珠; "sacred gem" or "cintāmaṇi") which is used to decorate roofs.2 They are often found on bridges in Japanese gardens, temples and shinto shrines.2

Gibōshi come in two styles; normal style and Kamakura style.2

A giboshi source ↗
See also

See also

References

References

  1. "Giboshi". Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System (JAANUS). Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  2. "Giboshi/Product information|Japanese traditional architecture decoration. MORIKUNI Co., Ltd". www.morikunijapan.com (in Japanese). Retrieved 3 January 2018.