Lanterns were originally introduced into Japan by China. The first ones were made of metal and primarily used to light doorways to shrines and temples. They were later made of stone for use in gardens, but it wasn't until they were introduced into Japanese tea gardens by tea-master Sen-no-Rikkyu did they really become a major garden element. Japanese tea ceremonies were often held in the evenings and light was needed to guide guests to the tea room. I make them out of wood scraps left around the shop. They are a bit smaller than the originals, table top size. They are also wired for a 25 watt halogen bulb, not to be used as primary lighting but as decorative.
This is a Rankei Lantern also known as a riverside lantern, which would usually be positioned overlooking a pond or stream to create a beautiful image in the water's reflection. I crafted this one with black walnut, curly cherry, Bolivian rosewood, and a burl of eucalyptus.
This next one is called a Kanju-ji Lantern, it is a square lantern with simple forms. The original design comes from Kanju-ji Temple in Kyoto dating from the Edo Period (1615-1868). The proportions of rectangular forms, openings, flattened light compartment and large gently curved roof present an austere, elegant form embodying quiet simplicity.
I used black walnut, Bolivian rosewood, bloodwood, poplar (which the top is shaped from then stained), and topped of with a burl of eucalyptus finial.
This next one is named Kotoji meaning "harp tuner", for the two legs on which the body of the lantern stands are said to resemble to tuning forks of the Japanese musical instrument "koto". Usually one leg is placed on the land and the other in water, reflecting the interdependence of land and water. I crafted this one with Bolivian rosewood, mahogany, and of course topped it of with a finial made from the burl of eucalyptus.
