Japanese Lantern
Perfect Accent Piece For The Home
A Japanese lantern is a fun lighting piece that will give living space a unique ambiance. The
lantern itself has an Oriental flair and the glow it casts is beautifully muted by the choice of paper or silk used
in its construction. A Japanese lantern can be used as a single decorating piece or several of them can be strung
together and used to set a festive mood.
Traditionally, the Japanese lantern was constructed of bamboo hoops covered in rice paper. The illumination was
provided by a candle. Eventually silk replaced rice paper and the lanterns took on a whole new look. The bamboo
hoops were split to form spirals so the lantern could collapse when not in use. The lanterns were used as a
primary means of illumination for the home, and when affixed to rods, could be made portable. The rice paper or
silk protected the flame from wind so the lantern was the ideal form of lighting.
Today, the Japanese lantern is still made from silk or rice paper, but is usually illuminated by a traditional
light bulb. The lanterns are commonly purchased in the same way lampshades are purchased, and then placed on an
existing light. This keeps the price extremely affordable. In the case of string lights, the bulbs and wires
are part of the lantern and must all be purchased together.
The Japanese lantern comes in round, rectangular, or oval shapes just as in times of old. They can also be
purchased in spiral shapes covered in silk. These are often sold as souvenirs and made from more affordable
papers or plastics that might be more suitable for a one time use as party decorations.
Japanese lanterns today are easy to use, often as easy as hanging a light or slipping on a new lampshade.
However, in times past, the Japanese lantern was a sophisticated light source. For home illumination, a large
lantern was often used that could be carried or placed on top of a stand. This was usually rectangular with
paper stretched over the sides. There may have been a shelf inside for the candle to sit on and a drawer on the
bottom that made it easy to replace the candle.
The Japanese lantern was very functional and was designed to specifically match its use. Some were for large
room illumination, others were for bedside use. Others were hung at the entrances to places of business and had
the owner's name printed on the side. Japanese lanterns are still very popular in the country today, and
although they have been modernized to operate from electricity, they still retain their original beauty and
form.
As home décor, the Japanese lantern can perform several functions. It can be used as a soft light that sets the
mood for intimate dining or it can be used as a focal point for the whole look of a room. The lights can also
be strung above the yard for outdoor illumination with a unique flair. Although beautiful, Japanese lanterns
are also quite affordable so they are the perfect accent piece for any home.
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