Lost Mountain Clayworks

"Kanji" is oriental calligraphy. This picture depicts the shadows, light and magic that emanate from these lanterns - with only one candle illumination.

The translation of these written characters lends even more beauty and meaning to the grace of the carving, a "stencil" rendition abstracted from the original brushwork. The character glowing here is "Spirit".

Many of the lanterns you see in this section have lit and unlit images, enabling that vision to enhance the potential in each piece and place it in your own environment.

The sculptural forms on the lids of many of the large lanterns are derived from the ornamentation on Japanese Samurai (warrior) helmets. Others have origins in Torii Gates and a variety of architectural fragments. Cross-pieces of bamboo enhance practicality for lifting the lid and help to complete the visual unity of some designs.

The large lanterns are pre-drilled at the foot to accommodate electric wiring, since drilling this high-temperature stoneware after firing is dangerous and often leads to breakage.