3. Haniwa warrior figure from Gunma Prefecture, Japan 5th to 6th century C.E. low-fired clay 49 1/4 in. high

4. Horyuji kondo Nara, Japan ca. 680 C.E.

5. Flying Storehouse The Legends of Mount Shigi Chogosonshiji, Nara late 12th century handscroll ink and color on paper 1 1/2 ft. high

6. Katsushika Hokusai The Great Wave off Kanagawa, from Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series Edo Period, ca. 1826-33 woodblock print oban, ink and colors on paper 9 7/8 in. x 1 ft. 2 3/4 in.

7. Kano Motonobu Xiangyen Zhixian Sweeping with a Broom Muramachi Period, ca. 1513 hanging scroll, ink and color on paper 5 ft. 7 3/8 in. x 2 ft. 10 3/4 in.

10. When all is Dark, Let There Be Light When you first think of a lantern you imagine them floating gracefully into the sky as part of a meaningful event. Many people are surprised when they learn that these dynamic little devices used to be used in wars. When brave soldiers faced the darkness of war, they used light as a way of signaling to their comrades.

11. These delicate lights are a central part of traditional Asian culture; they have a strong symbolic status and important meaning to the locals. People feel that these spiritual lanterns can give you good luck and prosperity.

12. Light Up The Celebrations Following their military use, lanterns became very popular with children at carnivals, their bright colors and spiritual natural capturing the children’s imagination. However, nowadays they are used for many different reasons and occasions. In Asia in particular they are used for big festivals, parties, grand openings, birthdays, memorials and sometimes even weddings.