Square-framed andon in Morse’s account

Overview

Morse’s illustrated square-framed andon encloses an oil lamp within a paper-covered wooden frame. The frame is open above and below, and one side can be raised when the lamp needs attention. Two uprights support it from a wooden stand and continue above it, joined by a lifting crosspiece. A second crossbar supports the suspended lamp inside. The oil sits in a shallow saucer held in an iron ring or disk; a small iron fitting holds the pith wick. The stand can also contain a drawer for spare wicks and snuffers, although that feature is not required by the selected illustration.

The account presents this as one form of household night lighting, rather than the design of every andon. Morse also describes a cylindrical version with rotating frames, another opening arrangement, and a decorated stand copied from a picture-book. These alternatives are not combined into the selected square example. He describes the filtered light as faint and places such lamps within his wider discussion of candles, oil and changing illumination. His introduction emphasizes middle-class homes, acknowledges the assistance of Japanese informants and explains the basis of his drawings. The profile records this dated visitor’s description; it does not establish unchanged modern use or identify a particular maker.

History & identity

Edward S. Morse’s observations, drawings and acknowledged Japanese assistance.

Sources & representation

Complete preface, introduction and continuous illumination passage read; selected complete original figure inspected.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings

   Edward S. Morse · 1889

   Selected printed title: Harper & Brothers, New York,1889. Illumination passage, pp.219–224.

Language & cultural connections

Source-supported language and cultural connections have not yet been compiled for this profile.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Historical illustrated observational accountIllumination and selected original figureResearch access: 2026-10-18

Image credits

Generated interpretation of Morse’s dated account; not an authenticated specimen.