Lantern - Bronze, Brass - Lantern meiji-showa

This is a vintage Japanese lantern made of brass or bronze, modeled after the traditional "Yukimi-gata" (Snow-viewing) style. Originally designed for Japanese gardens, this style features a wide, flat roof to catch falling snow and four sturdy legs for a low center of gravity.

This versatile piece can be used as a tabletop ornament or suspended as a hanging lantern using the ring on top. The lattice door of the central chamber (Hibukuro) opens, allowing you to place a small candle or LED light inside to create a beautiful play of light and shadow.

Condition:
The metal has developed a stunning vintage patina over time, giving it an authentic, aged aesthetic. It is structurally sound, and the door mechanism works smoothly.

Details

Material: Metal (Brass or Bronze)

Style: Yukimi-gata (Snow-viewing lantern)

Age: Mid-20th Century (Showa era)

Type: Tabletop or Hanging

Material Note:
The item features a stunning, uniform blue-green patina (Rokusho) that covers the entire surface. While such a deep and consistent oxidation is highly characteristic of bronze or a high-copper alloy, the possibility of it being brass with a specialized antique finish cannot be entirely ruled out.

Given its age and the traditional Japanese metalworking techniques used for such garden ornaments, it is most likely a copper-based alloy that has developed this rich patina naturally over decades. Please refer to the detailed photos to appreciate the authentic texture and vintage coloration of this piece.

Key Point for Dating (The Screws):
A crucial piece of evidence for dating this piece is the use of original flat-head (slotted) screws to secure the roof to the main body. This construction method was standard in high-quality Japanese metalwork before the mid-20th century. Importantly, the screws themselves have aged and patinated in perfect harmony with the rest of the lantern, confirming they are original to its construction and supporting the historical authenticity of the piece.

Atention:
The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.

Shipping:
The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan.
We will use either EMS or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.