japanese akita cedar wood table lamp - garden stone lantern shape

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Bring warmth and tranquility to your home with this stunning vintage Japanese table lamp, crafted from Akita cedar wood. Inspired by the serene beauty of traditional Japanese garden lanterns, this unique piece casts a soft, ambient glow, perfect for creating a peaceful atmosphere in any room and adding a touch of Zen to your home.

Handcrafted by the renowned Odate Kogeisha company during the Showa era (circa 1960s), this lamp showcases the exquisite grain of Akita cedar - a wood revered for its natural beauty. Akita's cedar forests are regarded as one of Japan's three most picturesque landscapes, and this lamp embodies their timeless charm.

Elegant and Functional Design:
The lamp stands on a solid square base, with a tall, narrow light chamber that rises gracefully, crowned by a slanted roof. This elegant structure mirrors the traditional design of Japanese stone lanterns.

Intricate Details: 
Two of the lamp's panels feature a delicate moon cut-out, while the other two are adorned with a traditional latticed window. Both are covered in shoji paper, allowing for a soft and calming light to fill your space.

Versatile and Convenient:
The latticed windows can be gently removed to replace the globe if needed, providing ease of maintenance. The lamp is equipped with an electric cord and switch at the bottom of the light chamber, making it suitable for use in both Japan and the United States. (Note: Other countries may require an adapter.)

Condition & Craftsmanship:
This lamp is in very good  antique condition, with the original shoji paper replaced by a durable, laminated shoji paper for added longevity and strength.

Versatility:
A perfect balance of form and function, it provides a mellow glow, ideal for creating an ambient mood rather than bright reading light. Whether placed on the floor or atop a table, this lamp adds an authentic taste of Japan to your home decor. Its understated beauty and soft lighting make it a perfect addition to any room - be it the living room, bedroom, or hallway.

- measures around 39 cm (15.3”) tall x 15 cm (6”) wide x 15 cm (6”) deep at edges of the roof.
- electric cord measures around 180 cm (70.9”).
- weighs 1,450 gm.

(listing for room lamp only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging and wrap for safety, rather than appearance.

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

JAPANESE TORO-LANTERNS
A Japanese toro is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood or metal. Originating in China, toro were initially used only in Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths. Later, lit lanterns were considered an offering to Buddha. During the Heian period (794-1185) they also started being used in Shinto shrines and private  homes.

The oldest existent bronze and stone lanterns can be found in Nara and were built during the Nara period and Heian period. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600) stone lanterns were popularized by tea masters who used them as decorations in their gardens. Today in modern gardens and homes they have a beautiful ornamental function.

In their original form, stone and bronze lanterns embody the five elements of Buddhist cosmology. The closest piece to the ground represents the earth (chi); the next part on top, represents water (sui). The portion encasing the lantern's light represents fire (ka). The air (fu) and the spirit (ku) are symbolized by the two upper sections that are close to the sky. Excluding the fire section, any elements may be added or removed. Such lanterns are also a metaphor for the ephemerality of life: after death, our physical bodies will go back to their elemental and original form.