Yamagata Jasper (Yamagata Prefecture) [Famous Stones of Japan]

YMAGATA Jasper

Yamagata jasper

These stones are part of the Dewa Sanzan faith, representing the past = Mt. Gassan, the moon god who rules over the underworld and night; the present = Mt. Haguro, the sun god who brings benefits in this world; and the future = Mt. Yudono, the star of resurrection and the god of the universe.
A god is enshrined at the summit of each mountain, and the three mountains connected together are considered sacred in Buddhism as well.
Stone tools from the Jomon period have also been found here, making this an area with a long history.
During the Heian period, the Taira clan, who fled from the Taira no Masakado Rebellion, is said to have founded this area, and many place names related to this time remain.
Yudono Shrine is said to have been built by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and was so crowded at its peak that it was filled with ascetics.
Jasper is red due to iron oxide, but the jasper from this area is brownish compared to that from other sources.
It is a source of fine stones, producing not only Yamagata jasper but also agate.

The stones of the Dewa Three Mountains faith are the moon god "Gassan" who governs the underworld and night, the present god "Mount Haguro" who is the god of sun and brings profits to this world, and the future god "Mount Yudono" who represents the star of resurrection and the universe. A god is enshrined on the summit of each mountain, and the fact that the three mountains are connected is considered sacred in Buddhism. Stone tools from the Jomon period have also been found here, making it a historic region. In the Heian period, it is said that the Taira clan, who fled from the Taira no Masakado Rebellion, founded this area, and many place names related to this time remain until now. Mount Yudono Shrine is said to have been built by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and it was so crowded at its peak that it was filled with ascetics. The jasper from this area is brownish compared to other production areas. Here is a production area of ​​famous stones, not only Yamagata jasper But also agate.