An great 5-part granite buried garden lantern 活け込み燈籠 (ikekomi’dôrô) belonging to the kirishitan’dôrô キリシタン灯籠 (Christian lantern) type. It bears resemblance to an oribe-dôrô, but conceals Christian symbolism: the stylized monogram resembling the Christian Greek ‘IHS'-monogram (iota-eta-sigma) carved into the ‘cross’ part of the base below the central platform. On the front of the central post is a carved stylised figure that may initially resemble a Buddha or monk, but in fact serves as a hidden depiction of Christ. In the 16th century, Roman Catholic Priest Francis Xavier introduced Christianity to Japan with the support of Daimyo Oda Nobunaga. After Nobunaga's death, Toyotomi Hideyoshi banned Christianity, leading to the rise of the Hidden Christians (Kakure Kirishitan). This version of the Oribe lantern is believed to be created by the Kakure Kirishitan so they could continue their worship in secret. Its individual parts are represent the following: The bottom-most piece, sao 竿 (post) touching the ground, represents chi, the earth 地. The next piece, the chûdai 中台 ('central platform') represents sui 水 (water). Ka 火 (fire), is represented by the section encasing the lantern's light or flame 火袋 (hibukuro). Fû 風 (air) and kû 空 (void or spirit) are represented by the last two sections, top-most and pointing towards the sky. Its hibukuro with a nice reticulated design of a crescent moon and a sun on opposite sides. Square openings with indented rims on the other two sides. Approx. dimensions: Height 130 cm, Width & Depth 37 cm. Digging depth circa 18 cm. The age of these lanterns is difficult to determine. We think that this one is from the Late Shôwa period (1960s-80s). It has a light appealing outdoorsy patina by being placed outside. It is in a very good condition with minimal traces of age. Please look at the photos for a condition reference. We will use a wooden pallet and good packing for safe transport. When shipped we will also add a certificate of authenticity.