This month's feature: LANTERNS AND CANDLE HOLDERS

In ancient times, the cooking fire, Robata, served many purposes. Not only did the Robata provide heat for cooking, it also served as the main light and heat source for homes. Occupants discovered that pine branches burned the brightest due to a high oil content, allowing occupants to work indoors at night.

Around the 8th century AD, oil dishes were invented. Oil was burned in a dish, containing a wick, sitting atop a post. Pine, vegetable and fish oils served as fuel. However candles were not popular because they were luxury items that had to be imported from China.

Many different sizes and styles of oil dishes evolved and in time, lanterns of wood and paper (Andon) developed. Lanterns became an elaborate artform as people began to appreciate them as works of art during the light hours.

Lanterns remained popular until the introduction of electricity to Tokyo in 1882. Still, lanterns remained common place items in the country side for another half century.

Interestingly, Edo (old Tokyo) was notorious for fires caused by lanterns. The lanterns were very flammable because they were constructed of wood and paper. Once a lantern tipped over, it would catch straw floor mats on fire. In turn, the mats spread fire to the paper and wood screens doors. Within minutes, the entire house, being constructed entirely of wood, would go up in flames.

Prices are quoted at the beginning of the feature month. We reserve the right to change prices at any time. Please note that we do not update this page to reflect availability of items. If you are interested in purchasing any items, please contact Harumi Antiques.

	1) Wood andon With an iron candlestick holder in the center 33" x 8" ca.1850 $700, s/h $100
	2) Tall, square andon Small drawer for storing wicks 39" x 10" ca.1900 $600, s/h $100
	3) Square andon Most popular style of andon. In a typical household, one andon of this type was placed in each room. The front shade hinges upward to allow placement of a candle or an oil dish. Ca.1850 32" x 11" $500, s/h $140
	4) Hexagonal portable andon Hexagonal portion lifts out to allow placement of a candle or an oil dish. Ca. 1930 22" x 17" $180, s/h $50
	5) Portable iron candle holder Heavy iron construction. Ca.1850 13" x 6" $250, s/h $50
	6) Hexagonal bronze lantern To be hung under the eaves. Each side has a different design Ca. 1830 10" x 12" $700, s/h $100
	7) Round hanging bronze lantern To be hung under the eaves. Delicate design Ca. 1920 11" x 10" $350, s/h $100
	8) Pair of candle holders Natural wood. Ca. 1930 20" (h) $300, s/h $80
	9) Pair of Bonbori lanterns Older style of lantern, popular from the 10th 15th century among the aristocracy. This pair is made for illuminating doll festival displays. Wood construction. Ca. 1930 27" (h) $450, s/h $150
	10) Pair of brass candle holders Older style. With stands. Ca.1920 30" x 8 ½" (h) $1,100, s/h $170
	11) Pair of brass candle holders Older style. With glass siding. Candle holders have been modified for use with light bulbs. Ca. 1930 21" (h) $900, s/h $170
	12) Octagonal hanging bronze lantern With ornate vine design. To be hung under the eaves. This particular lantern is decorative and not intended for illumination. Ca.1850 12" (h) $600, s/h $100
	13) Hanging bronze lantern Very unusual shape. To be hung from the ceiling. Ca.1830 16" x 12" $450, s/h $100

Feature for February, 1999

LANTERNS AND CANDLE HOLDERS