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Japanese Paper Lanterns
  Paper lanterns have a long history in Japan with the first hand-held lanterns
or chochin appearing from China during the Muromachi period
(1392-1482). Many westerners are familiar with the oblong shaped dangling
paper lantern called bura-jochin which travelers of old Japan often carried before them
on a short stick. These lanterns are commonly spotted in samurai movies
held by soldiers racing after the hero during a nighttime chase. Less
familiar is the Odawara-jochin or collapsible paper lantern which could
be closed accordion-style and carried in the bosom of the kimono. These
lanterns included a durable metal case to protect the lantern's delicate paper
from being crushed. The lantern paper was often decorated with a painting
or calligraphy, and the top of the lantern would normally include a handy lid
which allowed the user to easily light the traditional Japanese candle before
use.
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Click
here
to see paper lanterns available for purchase from our eBay store
The Old Tokaido |
Research on Japanese travelers lanterns:
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Kazuko Koizumi. "Traditional Japanese Furniture." Tokyo, New York,
London: Kodansha International, 1986
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Christine Guth. "Art of Edo Japan." New York: Harry N. Abrams,
Inc., 1996
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