First we have seen, early 20th century, brilliant design

Japan, a beautiful, unusual and possibly unique antique handcrafted “Kappa” (child protectors) motif iron lantern complete with a three dimensional sculpture of the kappa perched upon its top. The rare ensemble could provide a conversational moment in your special indoor or garden space. This lantern was hand crafted and hand formed – a brilliant and unique sculptural accomplishment – the first motif like this we have ever seen.
Japanese Kappa Folk are garden water deities- protectors of children along waters’ edge.

History:
A kappa (lit. river child), also known as kawataro is a folk art character found in traditional Japanese folklore. The name is a combination of the words kawa (river) and wappa, a variant form of warawa (child)

Kappa are distinguished as having a small pool of water suspended on top of their head, signifying their life force and habitat. Kappa have been used to warn children of the dangers lurking in rivers and lakes.

It can be installed in your favorite indoor or outdoor space.

Dimensions: 14 inches high from bottom of lantern to top of kappa and 10 inches wide

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

Unique……….Only one.

Provenance: Old Japanese country garden collection.

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

History of Japanese lanterns:
In Japan a to¯ro¯ (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.