Lantern - Antique Hanging Lanterns (Pair), Hexagonal

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Current bid
€ 2
Reserve price not met
Marion Oliviero
Expert
Selected by Marion Oliviero

Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.

Estimate  € 300 - € 400
19 other people are watching this object
CHBidder 7410
€2
ESBidder 2100
€1

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Pair of Meiji-period Japanese hanging lanterns, hexagonal copper, not in working order, in fair condition with wear, dimensions approx. H 18.5 cm x W 15 cm x D 15 cm.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This pair of 19th century Japanese hanging lanterns is made of copper and features a stable hexagonal form. Hanging lanterns like these were traditionally suspended under the eaves of temples and shrines, or used in corridors of tea rooms and Japanese gardens as atmospheric lighting.

The lantern bodies are pierced with finely executed openwork carving, allowing light to filter through in soft patterns. The geometric lattice design creates beautiful shadows when illuminated, traditionally with candlelight placed inside behind paper or cloth lining. The roofs are shaped with gently undulating, flower-like edges, resembling lotus petals. The lotus is a central Buddhist motif, symbolising purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.

The doors are fitted with decorative cloud-shaped fasteners, while the feet of the base are adorned with carved arabesque-style scrollwork, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship invested in these lanterns. Each lantern is suspended by an iron chain.

There is wear consistent with age, including surface rubbing, discoloration, patina, deformation, verdigris, soiling, and dust. One lantern has areas where the inner paper lining is peeling. The base and roof sections are slightly loose and do not align perfectly. The iron chains show rust. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions (excluding chain): approx. H 18.5 cm W 15 cm D 15 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This pair of 19th century Japanese hanging lanterns is made of copper and features a stable hexagonal form. Hanging lanterns like these were traditionally suspended under the eaves of temples and shrines, or used in corridors of tea rooms and Japanese gardens as atmospheric lighting.

The lantern bodies are pierced with finely executed openwork carving, allowing light to filter through in soft patterns. The geometric lattice design creates beautiful shadows when illuminated, traditionally with candlelight placed inside behind paper or cloth lining. The roofs are shaped with gently undulating, flower-like edges, resembling lotus petals. The lotus is a central Buddhist motif, symbolising purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.

The doors are fitted with decorative cloud-shaped fasteners, while the feet of the base are adorned with carved arabesque-style scrollwork, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship invested in these lanterns. Each lantern is suspended by an iron chain.

There is wear consistent with age, including surface rubbing, discoloration, patina, deformation, verdigris, soiling, and dust. One lantern has areas where the inner paper lining is peeling. The base and roof sections are slightly loose and do not align perfectly. The iron chains show rust. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions (excluding chain): approx. H 18.5 cm W 15 cm D 15 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

Details

Era
1900-2000
Material
Antique Hanging Lanterns (Pair), Hexagonal
Country of Origin
Japan
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
In Working Order
No
Height
18.5 cm
Width
15 cm
Depth
15 cm
Estimated Period
Meiji period
JapanVerified
4651
Objects sold
99.83%
protop

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