Our hand made lanterns are inspired by the traditional mingei andon lanterns of Japan. These lanterns were made of paper stretched over a framework of wood, bamboo or metal. The Japanese word "mingei" refers to a variety of ordinary items, intended to be functional as well as well as pleasing to the eye, and which were hand made by skilled craftsmen for everyday use.

Our lanterns and lamp shades look great in a variety of decors. Lampshades allow the soft diffusion of light through the lamp shade panels and not just out the top and bottom. The gentle flickering of light from either our custom made LED circuit in a table lantern or a candle in the candle lantern will enhance the ambience of any room.

Lanterns and lampshades are made from renewable plantation grown pine and finished with water based stains and polyurethane. We use only "Tough Top Ace" shoji paper for our lanterns. Tough Top Ace is tear, stain and moisture resistant to give you years of enjoyment from your lantern or lampshade.

If you want to learn more about andon lanterns have a look at our About Andons page.