Japan, an unusual “Mini” Scale 19th century antique handcrafted bronze lantern- with an early design and very nice “double’ doors. Fine craftsmanship, with very nice old cloud and vine decorative details.

Standing just 7 inches high, this particular lantern was authentically used in a temple, and still possesses its fine original dark patina from great age including surviving old paper lined interior.

This is the first example in this small scale and style we have seen in many years of dealing with fine Japanese lanterns and garden ornaments.

Period: 19th century

Quality: Crafted from bronze sheet with meticulous details by Japanese specialized artisans over 100 years ago.

Fine condition.

Good garden candidate- this is an ideal accent with strong presence and scale for a small outdoor or indoor Zen garden.

Dimensions: 7.5 inches tall to top of loop and 5.5 inches diameter

Only one.

Provenance: Old Japanese Nagoya collection.

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 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.

Yukimidoro 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.