From our recent Japanese Acquisitions, a rare bird

Japan, this handsome quality old “Owl” motif tea lantern is a good find and an authentic old work of art. Its surface is a particularly pleasing darker shade and the entire lantern still retains its original suspension loop and ring between its iconic pointed ears.

Created with the original eponymous smooth working Japanese design bottom round twist off iron candle cap, it dates to 1930s.

It is signed “Japan” on bottom.

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

Newly made Japanese iron owls now sell for upwards to $1400 (see photo)

Dimensions: 12 inches tall to top of loop handle and 6 inches wide.

Good garden candidate with a dark patina, this is an ideal accent size for an indoor gallery display or favorite outdoor garden space.

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.

We have been been dealing in fine authentic Japanese art and antiques including screens, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for many years. Our president personally travels to Japan each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique 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.