Antique Japanese Ceramic Lantern Meiji Period

Inquiries: [email protected] Description: This old Japanese ceramic lantern would have once provided illumination similar to a western-style candle. The lantern features a large bowl which the user would fill with oil. A wick would then be inserted into a special holder in the center and lit. The lantern is made of rough stoneware with a dark glaze coating on the inside of the bowl and along the outer rim. The lantern is in poor condition with a large chip missing from the outer edge. The appeal of this piece is heightened by a very dark and rich patina resulting from age and accumulated sticky lantern soot. This old ceramic lantern dates from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) and was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Size: Height: 1.0 inches (2.5 centimeters) Diameter of oil bowl: 2.7 inches (7.0 centimeters) Weight: 2.2 ounces (62 grams) More about Japanese lanterns: Lanterns have a long history in Japan and include many types such as ceramic oil lanterns as well as wood and paper varieties for use with candles. The first hand-held lanterns or chochin came to Japan from China during the Muromachi period (1392-1482). Many westerners are familiar with the oblong shaped dangling paper lantern called the bura-jochin which travelers carried before them on a short stick. These lanterns are commonly spotted in samurai movies held by soldiers racing after the hero during a nighttime chase. Less familiar is the Odawara-jochin or collapsible paper lantern which could be closed accordion-style and carried in the bosom of the kimono. These lanterns included a durable metal case to protect the lantern's delicate paper from being crushed. The lantern paper was often decorated with a painting or calligraphy, and the top of the lantern would normally include a handy lid which allowed the user to easily light the traditional Japanese candle before use. ---- Welcome to the Japan Antique Roadshow channel. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan with me. I'm available on Facebook and Google+ if you have questions or just want to chat and say hi. I can also be found at the JVLOG forum with other Japan-related content creators. All links are listed below. I look forward to meeting you on-line. Have a great day! Be my friend on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LylesBrother On Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=wX#113821142940008317194/posts At the JVLOG forum (my username there is "LylesBrother"): http://jvlog.org You can also reach me via email at the following address: [email protected]