The Stone Lantern (475 Piece Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle)

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Traditional East Asian lanterns crafted from stone, wood, or metal have embarked on a remarkable historical journey. Originating in China,...
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NP24-475-738
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  • Every puzzle invites you to discover uniquely handcrafted whimsy (shaped) pieces, thoughtfully designed to complement the image theme.
  • Irregular pieces provide an engaging challenge, keeping puzzlers intrigued with interesting shapes and rewarding problem-solving.
  • To ensure exceptional durability, each puzzle is crafted from premium 4mm FSC-certified Finnish birch plywood.
  • Nautilus Puzzles are thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted in the USA, on California's sunny central coast.
  • The puzzles are precision laser cut with advanced technology, ensuring every piece fits together perfectly for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Traditional East Asian lanterns crafted from stone, wood, or metal have embarked on a remarkable historical journey. Originating in China, these lanterns made their way to Japan, where they are commonly found in gardens and at temples, illuminating paths and adding a touch of history to the surroundings.

In Chinese, they are called Denglong; in Japanese, they are called toro, which means light basket or light tower; and ishi-doro, which means stone lantern.

The earliest report of their use comes from the Han Dynasty in 202 BCE. They later made their way to Japan, becoming popular in the 6th century as part of the Buddhist tradition.

The oldest stone lantern in Japan is in Nara. It is believed to be over 1300 years old and is called Taima-ji. There are 100 more from this period, especially in the historic city of Kyoto. 

Many lanterns are placed at the edge of land and water – and if they have three legs, one leg is on land and the other two in the water.

According to feng shui, stone lanterns play a crucial role in bringing balance and harmony to the garden. Beyond their practical function of illuminating paths during the night, these lanterns were primarily used for religious ceremonies until the end of the 16th century, instilling a sense of tranquility and peace in their surroundings. 

However, with the advent of the 17th century, commoners started using stone lanterns to light their tea gardens, as tea has a great symbolic value in Japan.

Lanterns made from granite or sandstone also have significant meaning. The light of the stone lamp symbolizes love, brightness, and refuge from evil, adding a profound layer of cultural significance to these beautiful structures.

The perfect gift for wooden jigsaw puzzlers and Asian Art enthusiasts, this traditional adult wooden jigsaw puzzle can be done time and again. Our wooden jigsaw puzzle artists have included many shaped whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the theme of the painting, and we have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden jigsaw puzzle together. 

  • Includes Bonus Poster to Guide Assembly
  • Number of Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces: 475
  • Completed Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Size: 15.5" X 11"
  • Artist: Tsuchiya Koitsu
  • Serial #: NP24-475-738
  • Wood Thickness: 4mm
  • Design Cut Style: Modern
  • Difficulty: Level 3
  • Made in the USA
  • Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
  • Serial #: NP24-475-738
  • Includes a Bonus Poster to Guide Assembly
  • Made in the USA
  • Number of Puzzle Pieces: 475
  • Completed Puzzle Size: 15.5" X 11"
  • Design Cut Style: Modern
  • Difficulty: Level 3

Tsuchiya Koitsu

Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870–1949) was a distinguished Japanese woodblock print artist renowned for his evocative landscape compositions within the Shin Hanga movement. Born in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, he moved to Tokyo at fifteen to apprentice with the woodblock carver Matsuzaki Shūmei. Recognizing his potential, Matsuzaki introduced him to the ukiyo-e master Kobayashi Kiyochika, under whose mentorship Koitsu lived for nineteen years. During this period, he refined his lithography, woodcut, and illustration skills, developing a distinctive style characterized by the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, known as kôsenga (light-ray pictures). This unique style, which set him apart from his contemporaries, would become a hallmark of his work and a key part of his enduring legacy.

After the passing of Kiyochika in 1915, Koitsu's artistic journey took a new turn. He initially delved into lithography and created drawings for hanging scrolls. However, a fateful encounter in 1931, at the age of 60, would redefine his career. At an exhibition commemorating Kiyochika, Koitsu met publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō. This meeting sparked a collaboration to introduce Koitsu to a broader audience and mark his entry into the Shin Hanga movement. His first woodblock print in this style, Cherry Blossom Viewing at Gion, was produced in 1932, followed by ten prints for Watanabe. Koitsu's works, such as Rain at Kofukuji Temple and Akashi Beach, are celebrated for their atmospheric qualities and masterful use of light, drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Kawase Hasui and Hiroshi Yoshida.

Koitsu's legacy endures through his contributions to the Shin Hanga movement, which sought to revitalize traditional ukiyo-e techniques while incorporating modern sensibilities. With their technical precision and emotional depth, his prints serve as a window into the serene beauty of Japanese landscapes. Tsuchiya Koitsu passed away on November 13, 1949, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.