A Lantern of Two Nations:
Japanese Stone Lantern
Embedded Files
Global Studies and Cross-Cultural Analysis at the University of Southern California-Capital Campus, Fall 2025
Developed by Xiadani Perez, Fernanda Jolette Sandoval Vazquez, Jesús Pulido-Castro
A Virtual Exhibition: The Objects in Motion
A Virtual Exhibition: The Objects in Motion
In ANTH-205: Introduction to Global Studies and Cross-Cultural Research, USC Capital Campus students have engaged in extensive research about objects of their choice in relation to the concepts of gift-giving and reciprocity all across Washington, D.C. Throughout the course of the semester, students have worked to develop their understanding for their to create a virtual exhibition project that are overseen by the guidance of Dr. Mark Auslander. In earlier weeks, students have learned about how objects accrue value as charitable gifts, reparations, and join stewardships.
Return to our Anth 205 Class Project Homepage:
Content
Content
Background
Historical Background: The Tokugawa World (1603–1868)
The Original Pair of 1651 Lanterns
Journey to the United States
Location
Symbolism
Interpretation & Cultural Analysis
Fernanda's Reflection
Jesús & Xiadani's Reflection
Remaining Mysteries & Future Research
Gallery
References
Acknowledgements
Contact Us
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Overview & Summary
Overview & Summary
The Japanese Stone Lantern in Washington, D.C., which is more than 350 years old, is one of the most important symbols of friendship between Japan and the United States. It was originally carved as one of a pair in 1651 for the funeral of the third Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, and placed at Kaneiji Temple in what is now Ueno Park in Tokyo. In 1954, one hundred years after the Treaty of Peace and Amity established formal relations between the two countries, the Governor of Tokyo gave one of the lanterns to Washington, D.C. as a gesture of reconciliation and lasting goodwill after World War II.
Today, the lantern is lit each year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, continuing to represent the connection between the two nations.
ILLUMINATING MEANING THROUGH THEORISTS
Our project examines the Japanese Stone Lantern in Washington, D.C., and how its meaning has shifted over time, from a sacred funerary object to a diplomatic gift and finally to a public tourist attraction. To understand these transformations, we draw on the theories of Karl Marx, Marcel Mauss, Sidney Mintz, and D.W. Winnicott to explore how value, exchange, memory, and cultural relationships become embedded in material objects.
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