Monumental Antique Japanese Bronze Temple Lantern (Tsuri-Tōrō) – Meiji Period – ca. 1900

Monumental Antique Japanese Bronze Temple Lantern (Tsuri-Tōrō) – Meiji Period – ca. 1900

Specifications: Heavy Cast Bronze | Openwork Sukashibori Carving | Working Hinged Doors | Authentic Temple Patina

We proudly present a monumental and highly decorative masterpiece of Japanese metal casting: a large, antique bronze temple lantern (Tsuri-Tōrō / Tsuri-dōrō) from the legendary Meiji period (1868–1912) or early 20th century. Historically, this heavy, hexagonal object hung at the entrances or in the galleries of Japanese temples and shrines to spread ceremonial light. A rare surviving object of pure museum class.

Masterful Casting & Traditional Iconography

This bronze lantern brings an unwavering atmosphere of tranquility, refinement, and historical dominance to any high-end interior, exclusive conservatory, or luxury courtyard:

• Openwork Sukashibori: The central, hexagonal burner chamber is surrounded by beautiful openwork casting (Sukashibori). The patterns display dynamic waves and stylized dragon or cloud motifs designed to break the candlelight through the space in a mystical way.
• Functional Hinged Doors: Both gable doors are present and can swing open and closed on their original bronze hinge pins. The handles feature stylized mythological details.
• Weathered Temple Patina: The bronze possesses a fantastic, layered dark brown to olive green patina. The interior displays authentic, white-green mineral lime and copper oxides, irrefutable proof of decades of exposure to the elements.

Fair Antique Condition

As is inherent to the traditional, modular construction of early Japanese temple ornaments, this object is in a fair, unrestored condition. There is some slight, historical play here and there in the original mortise and tenon joints and copper wire assemblies of the leaf-shaped cap segments (some parts may be slightly looser). This absolutely does not affect the structural stability or the visual monumentality; on the contrary, it is the ultimate signature of the ravages of time and pure authenticity.

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