Japanese Standing Stones - What do they symbolize?

[Bravo Six]

The internet hasn't provided me much use aside from gardening websites as to the use of the Japanese standing stones. Does anyone know what they're used for, or what they symbolize? Sometimes I've see them with writing on them.

[FierceKitty]

Smoother and more finished ones with writing are usually gravestones. I admit I have no idea about the ones you've posted!

[Etranger]

Bonsai'd mountains....

[Bravo Six]

I admit I have no idea about the ones you've posted!

I think those are the garden grade ones.

[Blackwolf]

The ones from Oyu or landscaping? The two pictured look like landscaping of which is quite a complicated art in Japanese and Chinese gardens,they are generally symbolising earth,water mountains etc,and come in many forms. That’s about all I know. Ask me about ferns; let me tell you...

[Bravo Six]

Thanks for the insight Blackwolf.

Ask me about ferns; let me tell you...

And thanks for that too. I'll keep that in mind. 

[Mad Gadgeteer]

Take a look at the following link - it gives a decent overview. 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_rock_garden

We have a small section of our yard we are wanting to turn into a Japanese garden and bought a book that discusses how to choose the rocks - why, symbolism and placement. 

Already have a moon viewing stone and am planning a combo moon viewing pavilion/tea house.

[Andrew_McGuire]

At first I had a terrible feeling they might be related to the Steel Phallus festival. My eyesight’s not what it was, you know.

[Bravo Six]

@Andrew -

@Mad Gageteer - Thanks. That's a great link!

[Cacique Caribe]

@Andrew -

@Mad Gageteer - Thanks. That's a great link!

Old Japanese books on gardening describe standing stones:

http://escapegardendesign.com/journey/test-journey/

https://www.hunker.com/13428543/elements-of-a-zen-garden-their-meaning

There are even some stone circles:

https://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/just-what-was-so-amazing-about-jomon-japan/ways-of-the-jomon-world-2/did-the-jomon-have-a-calendar/secrets-of-the-stone-circles/

Dan

[Bravo Six]

Ah ok. That's helpful. Thanks Dan.