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Wabisabi Antiques

Vintage Japanese Paper Lantern Shade with Tomoe Crest, Kanji Calligraphy (19.5in/49.5cm)

Vintage Japanese Paper Lantern Shade with Tomoe Crest, Kanji Calligraphy (19.5in/49.5cm)

Regular price $210.00 USD
Regular price $0.00 USD Sale price $210.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Free shipping to the US, Western countries, Asia and Oceania

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Hand-assembled with a wooden frame and washi paper shade, this vintage Japanese paper lantern displays hand painted kanji calligraphy and a tomoe crest at the top, naming Hokushin-kai with Hojo Kenchiku hand-painted on either side; its non-collapsible form shows traces of melted candle wax and mellowed colors, creating authentic Edo-period patina suited to museum-style displays or traditional festival use. Lightweight at 9.2 oz and measuring 19.5 in × 4.5 in × 7.9 in, it ships as a single vintage shade; handle by the wooden frame, avoid open flame, and use an LED for safe illumination, and expect careful packing during transit.



* Size: 19.5 in (h) × 4.5 in (w) × 7.9 in (d) — about 49.5 cm × 11.5 cm × 20 cm
* Weight: 9.2 oz (260 g)
* Materials: wood frame, washi paper shade, metal fittings; text in black ink
* Condition: good vintage condition with small holes, age-related dirt, and light wear; no major structural damage
* Included: non-collapsible paper lantern only; no lighting fixtures or bulbs
* Design motifs: tomoe crest / uroko-mon (scale-pattern, Hojo clan association)
* Recommended lighting: suspended LED for safe illumination (no open flame)



Product description

This chouchin lamp is an authentic example of a carried festival lantern with visible signs of use that contribute to its character as antique lighting. The paper shade shows hand painted art—black kanji calligraphy that identifies Hokushin-kai and the company name Hojo Kenchiku—preserving original markings. The wooden frame and metal fittings remain intact, supporting display as a cultural home accent or a focused museum display item and making it suitable as an Asian home decor focal point when placed away from moisture and traffic.


Design and symbolism

The top features the uroko-mon, a triangular scale-pattern crest long associated with protection and the Hojo clan; this symbol helps define the piece as an authentic Edo light in both aesthetic and historical terms. Over time the colors have mellowed to cooler tones, enhancing the lantern’s vintage appeal and lending a subtle, subdued palette to interior displays.


Suggested uses and display ideas

- Hang or carry as part of a traditional festival reenactment, or stage it as a samurai style prop in theatrical settings.
- Place on a pedestal or in a niche for a museum-style exhibit or collection of authentic Edo artifacts.
- Use as a cultural home accent in an entryway, hallway, or living room, paired with complementary Asian home decor; because it is fragile, position where it will not be bumped.

Care and handling

Handle by the wooden frame or the attached handle and avoid touching the paper directly to prevent enlarging small holes. Dust gently with a very soft brush using light, dry strokes. Do not expose to open flame due to residual wax and paper construction; use an LED bulb suspended inside for safe illumination. Avoid humid or wet environments to preserve the washi paper shade and inked calligraphy.


Shipping and ordering notes

This listing ships as a single handmade or vintage item and will be packed carefully to protect the rigid paper shade; extra packing is used because of its non-collapsible form and fragility, and local pickup may be requested if available. The package contains only the lantern shade—lighting fixtures and bulbs are not included.


🌐 ーーー SHOP POLICIES ーーー

🌐 International Buyers: Standard DDU terms. Custom duties/taxes are the buyer's responsibility upon delivery.

✈️ SHIPPING

• Free Shipping: To US, Europe, and most areas. 

• Surcharges: May apply to Australia, NZ, or remote areas for heavy/large items only. We will contact you before shipping (Full refund if canceled). Small/light items always ship free worldwide.

• Courier: Securely shipped via DHL, FedEx, EMS, or Japan Post with tracking. Carrier is selected by the shop; buyers cannot specify. Urgent upgrades available (please message us before buying).

📦 COMBINED SHIPPING

• We combine shipping for multiple purchases whenever safe. Any realized shipping savings will be promptly refunded to you after packaging.

🛡️ RETURNS & CONDITION

• Returns: Accepted within 7 days. Buyer pays round-trip shipping costs and processing fees for buyer's remorse.

• Condition: Our items are authentic antiques/vintage. Naturally, they carry signs of age (scratches/wear). Please examine all photos carefully before purchasing.


FAQ

Q: Is the lantern safe to light with a candle?

A: No. The shade shows traces of melted candle wax and is made of paper; for safety we recommend using a suspended LED rather than open flame.


Q: Does the listing include electrical fixtures or bulbs?

A: No. The listing includes only the non-collapsible lantern shade; lighting components must be supplied separately.


Q: Can this be used outdoors during festivals?

A: The lantern is intended as a carried festival lantern or display piece but should be kept away from moisture and wind due to its fragile washi paper and vintage condition.


Q: Are the kanji markings original?

A: Yes. The kanji calligraphy naming Hokushin-kai and Hojo Kenchiku is hand-painted and original to the piece.


Q: How is the item packed for shipping?

A: It is packed with extra protection around the rigid paper and wooden frame to minimize damage in transit; please allow time for careful packing.

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Shipping

Though we ship items free to most addresses in USA and Europe, we may ask to pay additional fee for shipping to remote addresses where DHL/FedEx apply. Any orders can be cancelled in this case.

Combined shipping is available for purchase two and more items.Please contact in detail before ordering to avoid several payment transactions.

Due to increase of shipping fee to Australia and New Zealand, free shipping is not applied for orders to be shipped there from 1st, September 2024. We will inform customers of additional fee after receiving orders. Items will not be shipped until customers reply and in case there is no agreement with the tariff, orders will be cancelled.

SKU:24798

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