Japanese Lantern

The Japanese Lantern is a stone sculpture positioned on the western shore of the lagoon in Boston Public Garden, resting on a granite boulder foundation quarried from Rockport, Massachusetts. The structure combines stone and metal components and sits directly along the water's edge of the garden.

The lantern was created in 1587 and arrived in Boston in 1904, gifted by Japanese art dealer Bunkio Matsuki who operated an antiques shop in the city. This gift reflects the growing cultural and artistic exchange between Japan and the United States during the early 1900s.

The lantern shows how traditional Japanese garden lighting practices found their way into Western garden design and aesthetics. Today, visitors can observe how this piece bridges two different cultural approaches to outdoor spaces and how such elements became part of Boston's artistic landscape.

The sculpture is accessible via the walking paths that surround the lagoon in Boston Public Garden, making it easy to visit without special arrangements. Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best views of its stone and metal surfaces.

A complete restoration in 1993 involved removing the original foundation and rebuilding it with freshly quarried stone from Massachusetts sources. This extensive preservation effort ensured the historic piece could withstand New England weather while maintaining its original form.

Location: Boston

Website: https://boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/boston-art-commission

GPS coordinates: 42.35439,-71.07029

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:23