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Atlas Obscura - Latest • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.
‘Japanese Lantern’ in Boston, Massachusetts
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The Boston Public Garden is one of the most scenic and picturesque locations within the city. Located next to the Common, it offers visitors walking paths, areas for picnicking, and relaxing with the swan boats being an iconic fixture.
There are many statues and sculptures scattered throughout the park, but one in particular is unique not only for its origin, but also for the fact that it’s older than the city of Boston itself. The Japanese Lantern was donated to the city in 1905 by Bunkio Matsuki, the first Japanese person to establish a Japanese art and antique store in Boston located on Boylston Street.
He had lived and was educated in Salem, MA by antiquarian Edward S. Morse, who had done a lot of archaeological work in Japan.
There are many statues and sculptures scattered throughout the park, but one in particular is unique not only for its origin, but also for the fact that it’s older than the city of Boston itself. The Japanese Lantern was donated to the city in 1905 by Bunkio Matsuki, the first Japanese person to establish a Japanese art and antique store in Boston located on Boylston Street.
He had lived and was educated in Salem, MA by antiquarian Edward S. Morse, who had done a lot of archaeological work in Japan.
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