From our recent Japanese acquisitions

Unique cast antique lantern find

This thick and sturdy hand cast lantern is only the second one of these we have seen in over ten years of handling Fine Japanese art.

The pierced round Moon form offers an attractive design that shines even more brilliantly when illuminated from within.

In addition to its moon form shape, it is crafted with many unusual cutout designs including auspicious symbols..

It’s old curled handwrought top loop is also unique- a master piece of Japanese lantern form art.

Superb garden and collector work of art.

May be either suspended in your favourite indoor or outdoor space, or comfortably set upon a favorite table or garden surface with its three feet below. Aperture opening allows you to add a candle or an electrical fixture if you so choose.

A good old example dating to the Meiji period, mid to late 19th century.

Dimensions: 9 inches tall

Fine quality.

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

Only one.

Provenance: Old Japanese American garden collection.

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.