Four Japanese Lanterns
Acquired in Japan in the 1950-1960’s. The red one reads, “sake-o” which is perhaps a hint to a dialect since “o-sake” is the traditional way to spell/say it - or so I’m told.
These were purchased by a couple at an auction in the 1980’s. They were purchased by a couple traveling in Japan in the 1950’s-1960’s.
Other
Maybe
Thank you for contacting Mearto. This is a set of painted Japanese paper lanterns. They are painted with plum blossoms, pine and bamboo. The red lantern is probably meant to decorate the front of a bar or restaurant.
I don’t know a lot about Japanese regional dialects. お is used as a prefix to indicate politeness or respect. Like, if you order sake in a restaurant you would say 0-sake.
Lanterns like these sell for varying prices. I have included links below to hammer prices of various ones. Yours are hand painted and in good condition, so they should fetch more than some of the examples below. Based on sales, the Fair Market Value of your set is between $75 and $125.
£30 for one
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/74972949_japan-british-exhibition-interest-a-souvenir-paper
$100 for several
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/47618387_nine-vintage-paper-lanterns
$20 for several
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/17-misc-vintage-japanese-printed-paper-candle-lan-340-c-908247d65c
$30 for one
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/large-japanese-rice-paper-lantern-3012-c-b2049b68d8
$20 for 2
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/lot-of-2-japanese-lanterns-1016-c-e834035853
You're very welcome!
Thank you very much