10:29 am - Japanese temmple latern.
For centuries in Japan both warriors and wealthy commoners donated laterns to Buddhist temples.
This bronze latern is decorated with a variety of real and imaginary
creatures. On the base are lion-dogs, further up there is a writhing
dragon and then cranes in flight. On the latern chamber, the circular
design of three hollyhock leaves in the clan crest of the ruling
Tokugawa dynasty. At the corners of the roof are fabulous fish with
loin-like heads and the sharp scales of dragons. At the top is a
flaming jewel, symbolizing Buddhist teachings.
Scottish entrepreneur James Douglas Fletcher
(1857-1927) bought this
latern (one of a pair) in 1902 for his home, Rosehaugh, on the Black
Isle, Scotland. The laterns stood in the oriental garden at the front
entrance.
~S.A.-M.~