Japanese Antique Stone Spirit Lantern, Red Kurama Granite, One-of-a-Kind

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Japanese Antique Stone Spirit Lantern, Red Kurama Granite, One-of-a-Kind

About the Item

From our recent Japanese acquisitions travels. This old 19th century Japanese stone spirit lantern was hand carved around 125-150 years ago. Coming from an old Nagoya garden this hard to find Japanese style, known as an Obakedouro “Spirit Lantern,” was crafted from rare red kurama granite, a now extinct stone. It is only the second lantern of its kind we have had the pleasure of handling. They work especially well at night with an oil candle. See our photo. Upon request, we will include one complimentary bottle to get you started. This stunning, unique large hand-carved, solid stone lantern was originally cut from a large mountain iron rich red boulder called "kurama" stone. Red iron Kurama stone was historically once sourced exclusively from one northern Kyoto region. However that source had been terminated decades ago and this rare stone is no longer available. Please note the heavy black patina many parts of this six piece lantern exhibit from appropriate old age. Dimension: 56 inches tall This lantern was sourced from a private Nagoya area Japanese garden. It's unique qualities represent some of the finest old world Japanese craftsmanship found today. Best in class. This rare lantern would make an ideal choice for any quality outdoor installation whose owners would appreciate and want "best in class". Many of our customers place "oil candles" inside the main sections making a romantic and enjoyable decorative accent for entertaining friends and family. One-of-a-kind . Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. All our Asian works of art are accompanied by our lifetime guarantee of authenticity. Brief History of Japanese lanterns: Japan’s lantern tradition was imported from India yet has existed in Japanese temples and gardens since the seventh century. They were originally conceived as entrance lighting and guardians and when lit served as an offering to Buddha. Some of the earliest stone lanterns were carved with Buddhist images on the firebox and usually had compartments for an oil lamp or candle. Later on, they became more secular in nature, and their use evolved as functional and decorative elements in traditional Japanese tea gardens. Today’s vintage survivors serve as fashionable aesthetic elements in modern day Japanese and Asian inspired gardens. There are four main categories of antique Japanese stone lanterns. Tachi-gata are pedestal lanterns such as the famous Kasuga lanterns, ikekome-gata are the so-called buried lanterns, oki-gata are small often portable lanterns, and yukimi-gata are sometimes commonly mis-described as "snow viewing" lanterns but in fact were often installed near water. Finally "spirit" lanterns assembled from natural stones were popular in mountainous areas of Japan and are thought to repel ill spirits via the round firebox/portal.

Dimensions:
Height: 56 in (142.24 cm)Width: 26 in (66.04 cm)Length: 56 in (142.24 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Stone,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
South Burlington, VT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1289212725501