From our recent Japanese acquisitions

First we have seen

A rare antique “Blue Bird” lantern in original paint.

This rare lantern is handsomely rendered in blue, white , and black painting. It is the only example we have seen in over ten years of handling hundreds of Japanese lanterns. In addition to its unique shape, it is finely detailed with painted feathers, head, and beak realistically executed.

Superb garden and collector work of art.

May be comfortably placed in favorite indoor or outdoor space upon a favorite table or garden surface.

A good old example dating to the Taisho period, early 20th century.

Dimensions: 7 inches tall and 11 inches wide and 5 inches deep.

Good garden candidate, this is an ideal accent size for a indoor display or outdoor garden.

Only one.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden Association.

History of Japanese lanterns:
In Japan a toro¯ (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.

Yukimi-do¯ro¯ or legged lanterns have as a base not a post but curved legs and a wide umbrella with a finial. Relatively low, they are used exclusively in gardens and the traditional placement is near water. The umbrella can be round or have from three to eight sides, while the fire box is usually hexagonal. Yu-loosley translated means water reflection. It was probably developed during the Momoyama period, but the oldest extant examples, found at the Katsura Villa in Kyoto, go back only to the early Edo period (17th century).

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.