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seridvena

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.~