Hard to find pair whimsical Owl “Hook Nose” Censers and Lanterns

This handsome Japanese quality pair (2) of “Hook Nose” Owl” lanterns and censers is a special find and are authentic old works of art. Their unique whimsical designs remind us of the smaller owl versions that ae often described as barn owls. They date to Taisho period, 1925 and are crafted in two parts, top and botom, for easy access for incense placement or LED lights for example.

Their design is rather unique . Please note the plump body, exaggerated nose, and pin wheel eye detail. Their perforations allow light to burst out creating an astounding light show or for stick incense to be inserted. They are authentic oldy examples and would be a coveted acquisition for your prominent indoor display gallery or outdoor special garden space.

In a convenient portable size, the may be installed on any surface.

Dimensions: 5 inches tall to top of loop handle and a plump 3.5 inches wide

These handsome owls would make you an excellent indoor gallery display or become a favorite work of art for your special garden space and will likely become a stellar conversational display for all your friends, family, and community to appreciate.

Possesses an original chocolate brown patina- just the way we like to find them.

Photographed in natural day light.

Provenance: Old American garden.

Many of our customers place LED lights, candles, or incense inside the main sections 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.

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.

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.