A monumental Japanese bronze and marble koro or temple lantern

A monumental Japanese bronze and marble koro or temple lantern, Meiji period (1868-1912), the waisted octagonal base supporting an octagonal section spreading lantern with turned and scrolled finials, the angles with stylised dragon-headed fish, shachi, interspersed with Tokugawa mon and a crown of stylised thunder clouds, above a stepped fossil marble base, the lantern 274cm high, 158cm wide, overall height including base 376cm

Provenance: Sothebys Billingshurst, Garden Statuary, 20th may 2003, lot 453, and previously Sotheby's Sussex, 25-26 May, 1999

Condition Report:
Since the photograph was taken, several alterations have occurred: the rectangular aperture has been soldered shut, and the missing elements to the top have been replaced (the arrangement of dragons is now complete). The lantern is sold in two pieces, and will need to be professionally assembled. Further holes and bolts may be required. The lantern has a variegated verdigris patina overall, and bears the usual marks, knocks, scuffs, scratches and weathering overall commensurate with outdoor age, use and exposure. Exposure has also resulted in slight loss of definition in places. The stone has slightly darkened, and is variously chipped to the lower rims of the two bottom parts of the plinth. There is an area of brown oxidised material between the finial and the top, possibly a previous restoration to affix the two elements, which are now not attached. There is also a slightly flattened dented area to the finial, which may have been restored.