The history of lanterns in Japan may go back as far as the
Muromachi Period (1336-1573).
After light implements for Buddhist worship such as candles
were introduced from China, lanterns appeared as a safe and
portable alternatives. Lanterns prevailed at the Buddhist altar
but also changed with the times to become the light in daily
life, and today their presence is indispensable to Japanese
cultural and religious traditions.
In what follows, we would like to focus on the historical
evolution of lanterns.
The names of each part
of a lantern
Muromachi
Period (1336-1573)
◆Basket
Lantern In this lantern,
two pillars are passed through a basket and a handle is fixed
on the upper part. This seems to be the earliest form of lantern
in Japan. Later, you would see foldable Basket Lanterns.
From
the Azuchi-Momoyama Period to the early Edo Period(16th-17th
c.)
◆Lantern
without a hook-up ring A lantern of unstable
and simple style appeared. It had neither the pillars nor the
hook-up ring which were seen in the Basket Lantern and a string
was used to hang it up.
＜The reasons for the appearance of simple-style lanterns.＞
１ They had been popular in the life of ordinary people for
festival dances ever since they were first introduced as an
important part of Buddhist altar fittings.
２ On evidence gleaned from lanterns used in wars, mass production
seemed to be favored more than hand-made quality.
◆Box
Lantern Lanterns appeared,
which could store a cylindrical flame-bag inside and had box-like-lids
attached to top and bottom. There were two kinds of long-box
style, large and small size, among the Box Lanterns. The large
style gave rise to the present-day Sumiyoshi-Lantern, an Odawara-Lantern,
on the other hand, is notable for its small size and was commonly
used for traveling in the Edo Period(1603-1867).
◆Bura
Lantern The Bura Lantern appeared
with a hook-up ring after the Box Lanterns and the lanterns
which were hung on a stick by means of a string. The outer rings
were reinforced and became even stronger in the 18th century.
These lanterns were not as practical as the Box Lanterns, however
they were cheap and commonly used for accompanying guests or
clients.
◆Takahari
Lantern This lantern was used
for providing flame from above. In the middle of the 17th century
it was simply hung on the end of a long stick. By the end of
the17th century a roof was fixed between sticks and a wooden
arm inserted in the upper and lower parts.
Takahari Lanterns have a powerful appearance which is why they
are commonly seen today at the head of festival parades.
◆Yumihari
Lantern The Yumihari Lantern
became available with a fixed flame-bag by inserting a bow.
This made it possible to leave the lanterns on the floor. The
lanterns were also able to tolerate the intense swinging which
occurs on horse-back.
Many bows are made with bamboo today, whereas some were made
with whale whiskers in the old days.
These lanterns, which are lighter than Box Lanterns and have
better stability were widely used as lighting apparatus in daily
life. Today their uses are varied in addition to their decorative
function.
Today
Some lanterns,
including traditional ones from the old times, have developed
into a highly original art form. We hope that the valuable legacy
of lanterns will remain as works of art in the future.
