{"product_id":"plum-blossom-lantern","title":"Plum Blossom Lantern","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePlum Blossom Lantern With Swallows and a Snowy Temple Roof\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plum tree flowers before any other, often while snow is still on the ground. That timing gave it a special place in East Asian art: it is the flower of endurance, the first sign that winter will end. In Japan, where it is called \u003cem\u003eume\u003c\/em\u003e, people went out to admire plum blossom long before cherry blossom viewing became the custom, and poets of the eighth century wrote about it far more often than about sakura.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plum blossom lantern sets the scene at that moment of the year. On a red ground, a dark branch reaches in from the left, covered with white and pale pink flowers. Two swallows fly above it, the birds that announce the return of warm days. Below, the curved roof of a temple or a palace is still white with snow, its gable picked out in gold. To the right, a column of brush calligraphy carries a classical wish that all things go as one hopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lantern is a paper globe on fine horizontal ribs, 12 in across, 30 cm. It opens with a wire expander, hangs by a metal hook and folds flat for storage. A bulb on a pendant cord or a small LED inside turns the red paper into a warm glow, and the white of the snow and the blossoms becomes the brightest part of the picture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it joins winter and spring, the plum blossom lantern is at its best from the new year to the first warm weeks. Hang it in an entrance, above a dining table or in a window during the holidays. It also suits a restaurant, a tea room or a shop display, and it mixes well with plain red globes of the same size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting runs around the sphere, so each side shows a different part of the scene. Keep the lantern indoors and away from moisture, like any paper shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiameter: 12 in (30 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: paper shade on a ribbed frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesign: plum branch, swallows, snowy roof and calligraphy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor: red, white and gold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetal hook at the top, opens with a wire expander\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFolds flat for storage, for indoor use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSold individually, bulb and cord not included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"JAPAN CLOTHING","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54652376154459,"sku":"14:771#shi shi ru yi;200325262:202624831#30cm Printed lantern","price":14.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/9300\/2473\/files\/plum-blossom-lantern_1.jpg?v=1793961283","url":"https:\/\/japan-clothing.com\/products\/plum-blossom-lantern","provider":"JAPAN CLOTHING","version":"1.0","type":"link"}