Pair of Fine Bronze and Copper Temple Lanterns (釣灯籠, Tsuridōrō)

Description:

Japan, late Edo period
H. 47 cm
A pair of temple lanterns, each resting on six feet with crown-shaped terminals in gilded repoussé copper. The bulbous bodies are pierced with a repeating chrysanthemum motif intertwined with scrolling foliage, backed with fine metal gauze. The shoulders are encircled by lotus-decor borders and adorned with eight applied relief plaques depicting dragons, minogame, and hô-ō birds. Tennin amid clouds animate the decorative scheme, while central ring-shaped suspension loops allow for hanging. Each side features an opening with a flap door that lifts upwards, and some partitioning ribs bear engraved inscriptions, likely from donors.
Former German private collection, collected in China and Japan circa 1900 - Minor signs of use and age, partially metal gauze no longer present