Sanshu Tourou are temple lanterns made using traditional techniques that date back to the Kamakura period (13th century) when metalworkers began casting temple bells and Buddhist altar implements. By the Edo period, Okazaki in Ozaka Prefecture had become known throughout the country as a major production center for Sanshu Tourou. While many other kinds of Japanese lanterns are made of stone, Sanshu lanterns are made of bronze using traditional production methods. First, a prototype is made from beeswax, which allows for fine detail. A variety of traditional techniques are then used to cast and decorate the lanterns, as well as other bronze objects, including sculptures and other works of art.