Designed by Tea Master “Oribe”

“Oribe designed this lantern to represent the secular nature of lanterns installed in private tea gardens”

Japan “Oribe” stone lantern with a very nice warm patina from good age, early to mid 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 Sanskrit symbol is carved on top of the base stone. 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.
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A beautiful size, shape, and style ideal for small or large gardens.

Quality: Handsome dark patina from good age.

Dimensions: 50 inches high and 16 inches wide, six pieces

The striking and well proportioned hand carved sculpture as an Oribe
style lantern fashioned in six parts from brown stone 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. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden Association.

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.