From our recent Japanese travels

Japan, a superb, handsome antique bronze “Flowers & Vines” umbrella form lantern – the first of this specific design we have had the honor of owning. It dates to the later Meiji period, 1890.

Fine condition with a lovely old green patina appropriate to its age- and with interior paper inserts just the way we like to find them. The interior bottom allows space for placing candles or battery operated led lights.

May be suspended or placed on any surface because of its flat bottom.

Meiji Period, circa 1890

Fine quality.

Dimensions: 16 inches tall and 9 inches diameter

An unusual opportunity to own the finest.

This is the first of this style we have seen in over fifteen years of dealing with fine Japanese garden ornaments.

Quality: Crafted from heavy bronze with engraved features by Japanese specialized artisans over 100 years ago.

Only one.

Provenance: Old Japanese Kyoto 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.

We are members of the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) specializing for ten years now in old and authentic Japanese stone garden ornaments.

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.