Japan “Oribe” granite stone lantern with a very nice warm patina from good age, early 20th century. This is the classic Tea Master Oribe’s style first observed in about the 17th century. Oribe was a leading 17th century Japanese tea master and designed this iconic lantern style especially for private tea gardens.

An unusual Buddhist Kanji symbol is carved on top of the base stone.

A beautiful size, shape, and style ideal for small or large gardens.

Dimensions: 55 inches high and 16 inches wide, five pieces

The striking and well proportioned hand carved sculpture as an Oribe
style lantern fashioned in five parts from granite as roof kasa and light chamber/base Hibukuro/kiso all with substantial patina from good age.

Provenance: This is an authentic Japanese hand carved lantern.

Many of our customers place oil 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: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

History of Japanese Oribe lanterns:

Oribe was the leading 17th century Japanese tea master after Sen No Rikyu -the father of the modern tea ceremony. Oribe designed this lantern to represent the secular nature of lanterns installed in private tea gardens- apart from shrine or temple applications . The Sanskrit lettering prevailed on some of these as Christian followers continued to practice their religion in secret and disguising their religious icons and graves as objects of Buddhist worship. It is thought that this version of Oribe lantern may have the Greek monogram “IHS” (iota-eta-sigma) carved into the cross part of the base below the central platform.

We have been dealing in authentic Japanese, Chinese, European, and Asian Fine art, antiquities, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to Japan, Europe and China 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. After accumulating a group, they are imported to Vermont in large containers. This method keeps shipping costs low and enables us to offer them to you at reasonable prices. We ship internationally.