First we have seen

This unusual architectural pair (2) of old vintage church form lighting lanterns are remarkable examples cast long ago likely in a very limited original number.

They are the first lanterns of of this design we have seen. We marvel at the slender steeple roof shapes, round windows meant to imitate cherished vibrant colored lead glass windows, and a detailed brick exterior. Sturdily heavy hand cast/crafted the designer purposely designed windows to allow light to beam from within through their numerous perforations. They were also thoughtfully cast on all four sides and were well designed In a convenient portable size. Most of their original cream white poly chrome paint remains. They may be suspended from their loops or installed on any surface.

Dimensions: 9 inches tall to top of loop and 4 inches square
Good garden candidates- these are ideal accent sizes for indoor table top display or a small outdoor garden space.

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

Provenance: Old American- Japanese garden.

Many of our customers place led tea lights inside the main section making a romantic and enjoyable decorative accent for entertaining friends and family. They are also a good choice for your indoor sun spaces or outdoor garden spaces.

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

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, toro 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.