An impressive and tall five-part carved granite garden lantern, known as an ikekomi’dôrô 活け込み燈籠 (buried lantern), belonging to the rare kirishitan’dôrô キリシタン灯籠 (Christian lantern) type. Carved from solid granite with a grey, ochre and black mottled surface. While bearing the familiar silhouette of an oribe’dôrô 織部灯籠, this lantern discreetly incorporates Christian iconography. 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. Christianity was introduced to Japan in the 16th century by the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier, under the patronage of the powerful daimyo Oda Nobunaga. Following Nobunaga’s death, Christianity was outlawed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, forcing its followers—known as Kakure Kirishitan 隠れキリシタン (Hidden Christians)—to continue their faith in secret. Lanterns of this kind were created to allow clandestine worship, their Christian symbolism concealed within the visual language of traditional Buddhist stonework. Each segment of the lantern symbolises one of the five elements in Japanese Buddhist cosmology. The bottom ‘sao’ 竿 (post), which touches the ground, symbolises ‘chi’ 地 (earth). The ‘chûdai’ 中台 (platform) above it stands for ‘sui’ 水 (water). The central ‘hibukuro’ 火袋 (fire box), where the flame would be housed, represents ‘ka’ 火 (fire). The ‘kasa’ (roof) and the topmost knob symbolise ‘fû’ 風 (air) and ‘kû’ 空 (void or spirit), reaching skyward. The hibukuro is adorned with a charming reticulated design of a crescent moon and a sun on opposing sides, while the remaining sides feature square openings with softly indented rims. Approx. dimensions: Height 145 cm, Width and Depth 50.5 cm. Digging depth circa 6.5 cm. The age of these lanterns is difficult to determine, but we believe this example dates from the 19th century (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period). It is in a very good original condition. Please refer to the photos for a detailed condition reference. We will pack the lantern securely on a wooden pallet for safe transport. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity. Please note: Due to the holidays, shipping and handling times may be longer. Thank you for your understanding.