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Japanese Stone Lantern: The Gift of Light:
Presented to the city of Washington on March 30, 1954, this stone lantern symbolizes the enduring cultural partnership that re-emerged between Japan and the United States after World War II. The lantern is one of two memorializing Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, or military lord, of the Tokugawa Dynasty, under his posthumous name Daiyuinden. Carved about 1651, it stood for over 300 years on the grounds of the Toeian Kan'eiji Temple which contained the remains of the Tokugawa Shoguns. The temple was located in the ancient city of Edo, present-day Tokyo, in Ueno Park, a place famous for its cherry blossoms. Its twin stands there to this day.
The stone lantern is part of a gift giving cycle that began in 1912 with Japan's donation of cherry trees. The lantern commemorates the 100th anniversary of Commodore Matthew Perry's historic mission to Japan and stands as a gesture of everlasting peace and friendship. It also represents the concept of healing wounds and moving toward universal understanding.
A Commemoration: Matthew Calbraith Perry, Commodore of the U.S. Navy, opened the doors of trade with Japan, ending the country's 200 year policy of isolationism.
Perry made two treks, first in 1852 and again in 1854, in an effort to secure safe entry of American vessels to Japanese ports of trade, obtain supplies for the commercial whaling fleet, and ensure a safe return of shipwrecked sailors. In March 1854, improved relations with Japan became reality when representatives of Japan and the United States signed the Treaty of Kanagawa.
Lighting the Way: The National Park Service and the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) have conducted the Lantern Ceremony since 1954. Every year, the lantern is lit by the Embassy of Japan's appointed Cherry Blossom Princess. The audience will count down from five, and like the Olympic torch, the lantern is lit in an exciting traditional event that signals the arrival of spring and represents one of the most beautiful times in the Nation's Capital. |