Express Shipping: Sunshouan Stone Lantern to the United States (US) — Packing Method (Japan)
Overview
The Sunshouan Stone Lantern is a traditional Yukimi-style Japanese stone lantern, hand-carved from granite by skilled stonemasons in Japan. Stone is durable, but it is also heavy—so if a parcel is dropped or squeezed, impact concentrates at edges and corners.
For this shipment to the United States (US), we packed the lantern as two separate packages. Separating parts prevents stone-to-stone contact, reduces friction risk during vibration, and improves safety in international handling.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included with this stone lantern model. The certificate is placed in an envelope and kept flat with cardboard so it will not bend during shipping.
Shipping details
- Destination: United States (US)
- Dimensions: W 15 in (38 cm) / H 12.5 in (32 cm)
- Weight: 66.5 lb (30.2 kg)
- Parcels: 2 packages (separated parts)
- Delivery result: Delivered safely in about 3 days
- Key focus: Prevent stone-to-stone contact / protect corners and edges / lock the shape / zero movement
Packing materials used
| Bubble wrap (air-cushion) | Shock absorption (reduces point-load impact at corners and edges) |
| Rolled cardboard (cardboard shell) | Shape locking + corner protection (adds rigidity and helps prevent wrap collapse) |
| Inner cardboard supports | Reinforces vulnerable sections (keeps the granite part stable and supported) |
| Cartons (2 boxes) | Separate boxing prevents contact between parts and improves protection |
| Stretch film | Locks the carton surface and helps prevent loosening during transit |
| PP tape | Final reinforcement for long-distance handling |
| Certificate of Authenticity + envelope | Included with this stone lantern model (kept clean and organized) |
| Cardboard (anti-bend document protector) | Prevents the certificate from bending during shipping |
Packing steps
1) Separate parts (two packages) → prevent stone-to-stone contact
Photo: We separate the lantern parts before packing to prevent contact during transit.
Because the lantern is heavy and edges are vulnerable, we ship it as two separate parcels. This prevents friction damage caused by vibration and keeps each part protected as its own unit.
2) Umbrella section: bubble wrap → shock absorption
Photo: The umbrella section is wrapped in bubble wrap to protect corners and edges.
We wrap the umbrella section with bubble wrap so impact is dispersed instead of concentrating at corners.
3) Umbrella section: rolled cardboard shell → shape locking
Photo: Rolled cardboard creates a firm shell to lock the shape and protect corners.
After bubble wrap, we add rolled cardboard as a rigid outer shell. This helps prevent crushing and keeps the wrapping from collapsing during handling.
4) Box the umbrella section → zero movement
Photo: Each part is boxed separately as its own package.
The protected part is placed into its carton and packed so it cannot shift inside the box.
5) Fire box: inner cardboard support → protect edges and stabilize
Photo: The fire box is reinforced with inner cardboard support before wrapping.
We reinforce the fire box with inner cardboard supports so edges stay protected and the part remains stable during shipping.
6) Fire box: bubble wrap + cardboard reinforcement → box
Photo: Bubble wrap + cardboard reinforcement protect corners and lock the shape.
After reinforcing the structure, we wrap with bubble wrap to reduce point-load shocks and then box it separately to a zero-movement condition.
7) Two cartons prepared → ready for reinforcement
Photo: Two separate cartons are prepared before final reinforcement.
8) Final reinforcement: stretch film & PP tape
Photo: Final reinforcement with stretch film and PP tape for long-distance transport.
We finish with stretch film and PP tape so the carton stays rigid as one block and resists loosening during long-distance handling.
Why this packing method works
- No stone-to-stone contact: Two packages prevent friction damage during vibration.
- Impact is dispersed: Bubble wrap reduces point-load shocks at corners and edges.
- Shape is locked: Rolled cardboard acts like a rigid shell.
- Edges are supported: Inner cardboard reinforcement stabilizes vulnerable parts.
- Nothing loosens: Stretch film and PP tape keep the cartons unified.
- Certificate stays flat: The certificate is protected in an envelope with cardboard anti-bend protection.
Estimated delivery time
This shipment was delivered safely in about 3 days. Delivery time can vary depending on the destination area and local conditions.
Notes for opening the package
Stone is heavy. Please open the carton on the floor or on a stable table. Use a cutter lightly and carefully so you do not damage the contents.
View product:
Stone Lantern Sunshouan Tourou – Medium Granite Japanese Garden Ornament
About our certificate:
Read the certificate policy & background
Shipping Policy
Written on: 2025-02-15 (JST)