Hard to find with this original Japanese factory “Japan” stamped bottom

Japanese handsome quality large old “Koi” fish motif tea lantern is an authentic old work of art.

Signed “Japan” on bottom, it is the first of its kind we have encountered and it dates to the 1930s.

In a convenient portable size, may be suspended from loops or installed on any surface.

Perfect choice for your indoor or outdoor garden space.

Dimension: Large 7.75 inches tall to top of loop handle and 13 inches wide.

Good garden candidate- these are an ideal accent size for a small outdoor or indoor Zen or Tea garden.

Provenance: Old American- Japanese garden.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

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.

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.