120 - JAPAN - 20th century

JAPAN - 20th century Granite garden lantern, consisting of five parts and designed to be partially buried (*ikekomi-dôrô*). This is a *kirishitan-dôrô* (Christian lantern) style. Although it resembles the *oribe-dôrô* style, it conceals Christian symbolism: a stylized monogram, reminiscent of the Greek trigram “IHS” (iota-eta-sigma), is engraved on the cross-shaped section at the base, beneath the central platform. On the front of the central shaft, a stylized figure—which, at first glance, might be mistaken for a Buddha or a monk—is in fact a concealed representation of Christ. The *hibukuro* is adorned with an elegant openwork pattern depicting a crescent moon and a sun, arranged on either side. The other two sides feature square openings with serrated edges. Approximate dimensions: Height: 130 cm; width and depth: 37 cm. Burial depth: approximately 18 cm.