From our recent Japanese Acquisitions- the first turtle lantern we have seen in this convenient size

Japan, this handsome quality old “turtle” motif tea lantern is a good find and authentic old work of art. It is the we have seen in this medium scale size. Natural old original hand painted green patina.

In a convenient portable size, it may be displayed on your deck, patio, favorite garden spot, or nestled in a special flower pot.

Notice the dramatic finely detailed turtle shells.

Dimensions: 3 inches tall and 5.75 inches long. It is a sturdy hand cast garden works of art

You may conveniently place an LED or candle inside the twist of access under its belly.

Good garden candidates, it is an ideal accent size for a small outdoor or indoor Zen or Tea garden.

Only one.

Provenance: Old American, Japanese garden.

Many of our customers place oil candles or tea lights 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.

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.