Real ‘Kikumon’ Chochin Lantern with the Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal of Japan

Description

Real ‘Kikumon’ Chochin Lantern with the Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal of Japan
This a real “
菊紋
" Chochin paper lantern with the
Imperial
Chrysanthemum
Seal of Japan
The Imperial Seal of Japan, also called the Chrysanthemum Seal is used by the Emperor of Japan and members of the Imperial Family.
These are hand made of all natural materials and hand painted on Yanaginobanba street in Kyoto by craftsmen skilled in the ancient art of Japanese lantern making.
Not a tourist item - this is the REAL thing! Absolutely authentic! An iconic symbol of Japan.
Note that it can take up to 3-weeks production time as these are custom made.
It measures 33cm X 84cm  or 13" X 25” (not counting the handle at the top) and is made in the traditional way with a lacqured bamboo top and bottom. It includes a metal handle at the top for hanging and a loop at the bottom for a tassel.  It is easy to rig it with a small lightbulb for a dramatic touch at night.
Note: if used outdoors, the lanterns often have a conical, black sheet-metal 'roof' to keep them dry.
HAND MADE IN KYOTO JAPAN
History:
During the Meiji period, no one was permitted to use the Imperial Seal except the Emperor of Japan, who used a 16 petal chrysanthemum with sixteen tips of another row of petals showing behind the first row. Therefore, each member of the Imperial family used a slightly modified version of the seal. Shinto shrines either displayed the imperial seal or incorporated elements of the seal into their own emblems.
Earlier in Japanese history, when Emperor Go-Daigo, who tried to break the power of the shogunate in 1333, was exiled, he adopted the seventeen-petal chrysanthemum to differentiate himself from the Northern Court's Emperor Kōgon, who kept the imperial 16-petal mon.
IMPORTANT SHIPPING NOTE:
• This item will be shipped by EMS (Express) shipping with point to point tracking from Japan so you will be able to track your item from the Japan Post website. It is fully insured and will require a signature upon delivery.
• All items are carefully packed.
• Note that the actual delivery time depends on the post office in your country and sellers have no control over this.
• We are not responsible for any customs duties or import taxes your country may charge - please check on this with your post office.
• Returns are opened in the presence of postal authorities to assure that the original item is enclosed.
•
Please contact us if you have any questions.
-Hannari-ya
This item will be shipped by EMS (Express) shipping with point to point tracking from Japan so you will be able to track your item from the Japan Post website. It is fully insured and will require a signature upon delivery. All items are carefully packed. Note that the actual delivery time depends on the post office in your country and sellers have no control over this. We are not responsible for any customs duties or import taxes your country may charge.
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_gsrx_vers_841 (GS 7.0.16 (841))
IMPORTANT: 2020 PANDEMIC SHIPPING NOTE
Note that due to reduced flights, JAPAN POST has suspended Air Parcel service to the USA, Australia and a few other countries (Europe is not effected). It is not known how long this will last but in the meantime, we are using JAPAN POST SURFACE mail which has tracking and insurance but can take about 60 days to the USA.
Alternatively, for an additional charge, YAMATO INTERNATIONAL offers extremely fast door to door service for a flat-rate for their various size boxes. The smallest “60cm” box is to most countries, can hold up to two kg and measures 27 X 19 X 19cm and arrives in about a week.
Note that as these measures are temporary, we can not change the existing rates for all of our hundreds of listings but will notify you immediately if it effects your purchase.
-Hannari-Ya