This is a beautifully crafted Japanese hanging lantern made of bronze, featuring a distinctive four-sided body and a broad, rounded roof. The lantern combines traditional Japanese decorative motifs with an elegant architectural form, creating a particularly attractive piece of Japanese metalwork. Four-Sided Structure and Japanese Motifs The main body is composed of four openwork panels. Two sides are decorated with pine motifs, while the other two sides feature bamboo motifs. The plants are incorporated into lattice-like openwork panels, allowing light to pass through the decorative designs when the lantern is illuminated. Pine and bamboo are particularly familiar motifs in Japanese decorative arts. Together, they are known as part of the traditional auspicious combination of pine, bamboo and plum, although this particular lantern focuses specifically on pine and bamboo. The contrasting shapes of the pine branches and bamboo leaves give each pair of panels a different visual character, while the four-sided construction allows the decoration to be appreciated from every direction. Distinctive Rounded Roof The lantern is crowned by a broad, gently curved roof with an elegant, almost pavilion-like silhouette. The surface of the roof is covered with a finely worked geometric lattice pattern, adding another layer of texture to the otherwise simple curved form. The wide roof extends beyond the four-sided body and creates a strong architectural impression. Small rounded finial-like details are incorporated at the corners of the roof, further emphasizing its traditional Japanese character. At the very top is a metal hanging ring, allowing the lantern to be suspended. Openwork Decoration and Light The openwork panels are one of the most attractive features of the lantern. The raised pine and bamboo designs are set against open areas, creating a pleasing contrast between solid metal and empty space. When a candle or small light source is placed inside, light can pass through the openwork decoration and cast the silhouettes of the pine and bamboo motifs outward. This would create a warm and atmospheric effect, combining the function of a lantern with the beauty of Japanese decorative metalwork. Even when displayed without illumination, the openwork construction gives the lantern a light and elegant appearance and allows the intricate designs to be appreciated from different angles. Aged Bronze Surface The bronze surface has developed an attractive aged patina, with variations in colour, oxidation and surface wear visible throughout the lantern. The raised edges and decorative elements show lighter areas caused by rubbing and age, while darker tones remain in the recessed portions. These changes give the lantern an authentic aged appearance and emphasize the relief and openwork decoration. The surface is not uniform, and there are areas of discoloration, oxidation and wear consistent with age and previous use. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they show the present condition of the lantern in detail. A Beautiful Example of Japanese Decorative Metalwork This lantern is particularly appealing because of the way its architectural form and decorative motifs work together. The broad rounded roof, four-sided body, openwork panels and traditional pine and bamboo designs create a strong Japanese aesthetic from every angle. The combination of bronze, openwork decoration and aged patina gives the piece a particularly attractive sense of depth and character. It can be displayed as a decorative Japanese object on its own, while it can also be used with a suitable light source to recreate the atmospheric beauty traditionally associated with Japanese lanterns. For collectors of Japanese antiques, traditional Japanese metalwork and architectural decorative objects, this is a particularly charming and distinctive piece. The four-sided design, finely worked pine and bamboo openwork, broad rounded roof and beautifully aged bronze surface give the lantern a strong presence despite its relatively compact size. It is a decorative object that combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with practical lantern design, making it an attractive addition to a collection of Japanese art and decorative arts. Height: 22.5 cm Width: 23.8 cm Depth: 23.0 cm Weight: 3400 g Condition: The condition is generally good. There is no major damage. There may be damages such as scratches, scuffs, dullness, peeling, fading, wear and tear, dents, discoloration due to aging. It is a delicate item, so please handle it with care. It has been stored at home. Please see the many photos provided. 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, DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. Shipping costs have surged due to the global situation. Therefore, we generally use EMS to keep shipping fees as low as possible. We ask for your understanding in this matter. 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. 090122050928: