Japanese Whimsical Snail Garden Lighting Lantern

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Japanese Whimsical Snail Garden Lighting Lantern

About the Item

First garden lantern of this style we have seen- an unusual opportunity This charming snail form lantern is also a first for us. Its handcrafted , heavily hand cast and numerous finely detailed head, ears, eyes, and back perforations offer incredible light reflections when you place your favorite lighting device inside. The bottom twist off cap offers easy access. It is easily one of the most fun, intriguing and well designed Asian lantern renditions we have had the pleasure of owning. Impressive dark original patina from appropriate old age. Heavily hand cast for convenient portability. It's original patina from past use highlights this lantern's past importance. It may be suspended from its handles or may be comfortably placed on any surface on its round flat bottom . The twist off door on base accesses interior to place your favorite lighting device. A rare antique lantern find in fine condition. A good old example dating to the early 20th century. For the finest display garden and a genuine collector work of art. May be comfortably set upon a favorite table or garden surface or suspended from its handles. Dimensions: 6 inches tall to top of suspension loop and 6.5 inches long. Quality: Well crafted and possesses original old dark patina. Good garden candidate, this is an ideal accent size for a small outdoor or indoor zen garden. 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).

Dimensions:
Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Width: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
Style:
Showa (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Iron,Cast
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1930s-1940s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
South Burlington, VT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1289225432842