古董日式寺庙灯笼，带纹章 — 「Muryōkōin」 — 無量光院 - 紙, 竹, 木, 鋼 - 日本 - 二十世纪中叶

Item Description

An antique Japanese hanging paper lantern (chōchin), estimated to date from the late Edo period, bearing a family/temple crest (kamon) on one side and the temple name "無量光院" (Muryōkōin) inked on the reverse.

The crest appears to depict a pair of crossed feathers within a circular border (resembling the well-known "crossed hawk feathers," chigai-taka-no-ha, motif), rendered in bold black against the natural bamboo-and-washi ground.

"無量光院" (Muryōkōin, literally "Temple of Immeasurable Light," a name associated with Amida Buddha) is written in large characters on the opposite face — this being a fairly common name shared by a number of Buddhist temples across Japan, so we cannot identify the specific temple of origin with certainty.
The lantern is constructed in the traditional manner, with a continuous spiral of bamboo rib wound around the collapsible frame and covered in washi paper, capped with black-lacquered wood/metal top and bottom fittings and a wire carrying handle.

Over its long life the surface has taken on a beautiful deep amber ("ame-iro," candy-color) patina, the kind of rich toning that only develops through genuine age — a quality prized by collectors of antique folk craft.
There is age-appropriate soiling and wear throughout, consistent with a piece of this vintage, but no large tears or structural losses to the body.

The interior retains its original candle base fitting, with wax residue still visible, confirming this was a genuinely used, functional lantern rather than a later decorative reproduction.
Recommended for collectors with an appreciation for antique Japanese folk craft and temple/religious ephemera.
If lit, please exercise great caution regarding fire safety given the age and fragility of the paper and frame; we strongly recommend using a battery-powered LED candle rather than an open flame.

Size
Maximum body diameter: 24.5 cm
Height (extended): 32 cm

Weight
250 g

Condition
Good condition for a genuine antique of this age.
Overall soiling and surface wear consistent with age is present throughout, and the paper has aged to a rich amber tone.
No large tears or losses to the washi paper body.
The original candle base fitting remains inside, with visible wax residue from past use.

Maker/Origin Profile
A traditional handcrafted Japanese chōchin of the late Edo period, made using a continuous spiral bamboo rib frame wound with washi paper — a lighting form used historically by temples, shops, and private households alike. This example carries both a family/temple crest and the inscribed name of a temple ("無量光院"), suggesting it was made for use at, or in connection with, a specific Buddhist temple.

NOTICE
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL, FedEx or Japan Post depending on the situation.
Please note that we may use recycled cardboard boxes for outer packaging.
It takes about 2–3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.

These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please note that as of 1 July 2026, the EU has abolished the de minimis customs exemption. All shipments to EU countries are now subject to import duties and VAT regardless of the declared value of the goods. For shipments with a declared value under €150, an additional customs processing fee (from around €3) may also apply, and further minor charges may be added depending on the destination country.
Sometimes Customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you can answer the phone.
If you don't, the parcel will be returned to us and it costs more than double the shipping fee for reshipping.
We do appreciate your kind cooperation.