Two Small Square Lacquered Wood and Paper Lamp Stands

MEIJI PERIOD (LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY)

Details

Two Small Square Lacquered Wood and Paper Lamp Stands
Meiji period (late 19th-early 20th century)
Both square, the removable exterior housing lacquered black and cut on the sides with round or crescent moon-shaped windows to reveal the latticed-paper shades of the interior, and with a slot on the top for the handle, the interior wood frames lacquered red; one lantern with a wood handle and plain white paper shades, the other with a brass loop handle and calligraphy printed on the white paper shades; both lanterns set on red-lacquered wood bases; both electrfied
13¾in. (34.9cm.); 11¼in. (29.2cm.) high (2)

Lot Essay

Lamp stands (andon) were usually cylindrical or cube-shaped frames covered with paper to shield the flame of either candle or the oil wick from wind. The ariake (dawn) lamp stands shown here are all-night lamps with a box that covers the frame, and with small apertures, often moon-shaped, to let out a dimmed light. The design of the ariake andon, which is functional and charming, was very popular and existed in almost every household until the Meiji era.

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