Extraordinary pair in an extraordinary size- original dark green patina

Japanese pair (2) massive over size owl lighting lanterns, 13 inches tall

This handsome pair Japanese quality over sized iron “Owl” lanterns are a special find and authentic old works of art. They may well be one of only a handful of these enormous scale works of art ever crafted and produced. They are marked JAPAN on their round bottom twist off candle/light accesses and boast authentic original muted green patina.

Their design is unique to our eyes. Please note the exaggerated ears, nose, and wide breast feather detail plus its heavily engraved wings. These larger than normal size owls and their prolific perforations allow light to burst out creating an astounding light show. They are authentic early examples and would be a coveted acquisition for your prominent indoor display gallery or outdoor special garden space.

In a convenient portable size, they may be suspended from loop or installed on any surface.

Dimensions: 13 inches tall to top of loop handle and a plump 7.5 inches wide, heavy weighing in at 7.2 pounds each

This handsome lantern pair would make you an excellent indoor gallery display or become a favorite work of art for your special garden space and will likely become a stellar conversational display for all your friends, family, and community to appreciate.

Possesses an original old muted green patina- just the way we like to find them.

Photographed in natural day light.

Provenance: Old American garden.

Many of our customers place LED or candles inside the main section making a romantic and enjoyable decorative accent for entertaining friends and family. It’s a perfect choice for your indoor or outdoor garden space.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

Our gallery based in Newport, Rhode Island USA has been dealing in authentic Pre-Columbian, Japanese and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels across America as well as Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.

History of Japanese lanterns:

In Japan a to¯ro¯ (lantern) is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood, or metal. Like many other elements of Japanese traditional architecture, it originated in China. In Japan, to¯ro¯ were originally used only in Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths and lighted lanterns were then considered an offering. In its complete, original form the lantern represents five elements of Buddhist cosmology: Bottom touching the ground, represents chi, the earth, the next section represents sui, or water, ka or fire, is represented by the section encasing the lantern’s light or flame, while fu¯ (air) and ku¯ (void or spirit) are represented by the last two sections, top-most and pointing towards the sky. These last two sections express the idea that after death our physical bodies will go back to their original, elemental form.