A wooden mold used for making Japanese lanterns. The molds were handmade by local craftsmen. The wings are first joined to a top and bottom plug. Next, the craftsman winds wire around the mold. He or she carefully covers the wound mold with washi paper and glues the pieces together. Finally, after the glue has dried, the craftsman disassembles the internal wooden structure, so that only the lantern body remains.

The mold has a rich patina including repair to one of its wings. One of the plugs has some rot that has been treated.

19-20c. Japan

Wood