[Japan] Odawara Chochin, portable lantern

Japan, probably first half 19th cent., composed of 2 halves of openwork sawn copper drums connected by a "hikuburu", a paper accordion tube. When folded, it measures Ø 20 x 17 cm, and it expands to a length of 63 cm. Features a brass handle at the top and a small hinged door with a lockable knob, with a suspended cord at the bottom.

The paper inner tube renewed, the metal a few dents and minor other imperfections. A very fine and early example, the brass ends w. rare pattern of openworked and incized flowers all around.