One of our finest recent Japanese acquisitions

A beautiful hand crafted finely detailed lantern complete with the Japanese “Imperial chrysanthemum” state seal front and sublime karakusa vine paneling on all sides- wonderful intricate flora side panel details- the first of this extraordinary design and one of the best antique lanterns we have seen.

The antique 82 inch hand made chain is an added bonus

A rare bronze and copper antique lantern find in fine condition. A good old example dating to the Edo/ Meiji period, mid 19th century.

Notice the wonderful intricate karakusa (octupus) vine sides – detailing we seldom see.

Superb garden and collector work of art.

May be either suspended in your favorite indoor or outdoor space, or comfortably set upon a favorite table or garden surface.

Dimensions: 20 inches tall with hanger and 17 inches diameter.

Quality: Finely crafted in bronze and copper and possessing original dark old patina and with traces of green verdigris signifying great age.

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

Only one.

Provenance: Old Northern Kyoto garden collection.

About the Imperial Seal of Japan:

The Imperial Seal of Japan, also called the Chrysanthemum Seal, Chrysanthemum Flower Seal or Imperial chrysanthemum emblem, is one of the national seals and a crest used by the Emperor of Japan and members of the Imperial Family. It is a contrast to the Paulownia Seal used by the Japanese government. Adopted in 1183. Armigers: Naruhito, Emperor of Japan

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. All our Asian works of art are accompanied by our 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).

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.