Circa 1930

First garden lantern of this kind we have seen- an unusual opportunity

This architectural lantern master piece eschews the international design phenomena known as art deco.

With its striking six gable roof line, and simplistic form it could be your controversial center piece of any garden or interior display.

Its handcrafted , heavily hand cast iron body offers incredible night light when you place your favorite lighting inside. The bottom allows easy access to insert your favorite led or candle lighting device. This lantern is one of the most intriguing and period designed Japanese lantern renditions we have had the pleasure of owning.

Its original surface patina from past use highlights this lantern’s past importance and appropriate age. Portable. It may be suspended from its top loop or may be comfortably placed on a surface for prominent display.

A rare antique lantern find in fine condition.

Dimensions: 11 inches tall to top of suspension loop and 10 inches wide.

Quality: Well crafted and possesses original old patina.

Photographed in natural day light and night light for your visual pleasure.

Good garden candidate, this is an ideal accent size for a small outdoor or indoor sun space.
Only one.

Provenance: Old garden collection.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden Association.

History of Japanese lanterns:
In Japan a toro¯ (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.
Yukimi-do¯ro¯ or legged lanterns have as a base not a post but curved legs and a wide umbrella with a finial. Relatively low, they are used exclusively in gardens and the traditional placement is near water. The umbrella can be round or have from three to eight sides, while the fire box is usually hexagonal. Yu-loosley translated means water reflection. It was probably developed during the Momoyama period, but the oldest extant examples, found at the Katsura Villa in Kyoto, go back only to the early Edo period (17th century).