Buried garden lantern 活け込み燈籠 (ikekomi’dôrô), Kirishitan’dôrô キリシタン灯籠 (Christian lantern) - Stone, Granite - Japan - 19th century

An impressive and tall five-part carved granite garden lantern, known as an ikekomi’dôrô 活け込み燈籠 (buried lantern), of the type commonly associated with kirishitan’dôrô キリシタン灯籠 (Christian lanterns).

Carved from solid grey granite with an attractively weathered surface and natural dark and ochre tones.
The lantern closely follows the form of an oribe’dôrô 織部灯籠, 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.

Christianity was introduced to Japan during the 16th century and was later prohibited under the Toyotomi and Tokugawa governments. Christian communities continued their faith in secret and became known as Kakure Kirishitan 隠れキリシタン (Hidden Christians). Certain Japanese stone lanterns have traditionally been connected with these communities because of imagery interpreted as disguised Christian symbolism.

The lantern is composed of the traditional elements of a Japanese stone lantern. The tall sao 竿 (post) supports the chûdai 中台 (platform), above which rests the square hibukuro 火袋 (fire box). The hibukuro is pierced with openings of different shapes, including broad rectangular openings and smaller decorative apertures. Above it rests a substantial square kasa 傘 (roof) with gently sloping sides, surmounted by a rounded finial.

Each section of a traditional stone lantern is often associated with one of the five elements of Buddhist cosmology: chi 地 (earth), sui 水 (water), ka 火 (fire), fû 風 (air) and kû 空 (void or spirit).

Approx. dimensions:
Height 150 cm, Width 44 cm, Depth 44 cm.
The age of stone lanterns of this type can be difficult to determine precisely. We believe this example dates from the 19th century, Late Edo to early Meiji period.

In very good original condition with expected surface weathering and traces of outdoor use consistent with age. The granite has developed an attractive natural patina. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.

For shipping, we will pack the lantern securely on a wooden pallet for safe transport.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.