Portable lantern (Ariake Andon)
mid 19th century
Ariake andon means "daybreak lantern." A wooden cover with decorative openings reveals the lantern's paper panels while shielding its roughly cubic form. This cover can be removed to provide greater illumination or to serve as a pedestal base for the lantern. The white paper sets off the red and black lacquer, creating a surprisingly modern effect.
Wood, lacquer, paper
10 1/4 x 10 3/8 in. (26.1 x 26.4 cm)
Overall h.: 15 1/2 in.
Gift of Allan W. Lobb, M.D. in honor of the museum's 50th year
83.211