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