Oriental décor has always held a fascination for many cultures across the world.
With its emphasis on balance, harmony and original art, you will most often follow the rule about less is more when it comes to interior and exterior decorations the Eastern way. One of the most popular staples of Eastern décor is the Japanese lantern, which can be present in and outside the home.
Stone, Silk and Paper
There are two types of Japanese lanterns to choose from. First, you have the paper and fabric lanterns that come in either the traditional round or the modern boxed styles. The porous and semi-translucent paper comes in two basic colors of white and red since these are the colors associated with purity and life in Eastern cultures. Besides, you cannot argue with these colors as blending in with almost any color in the rainbow. The fabric used is often silk because of its lustrous quality, not to mention that it is the fabric most commonly associated with the East.
For the second type, you have the stone Japanese lantern. Many of these stone lanterns are made from resin, concrete and reconstituted stone because of the expensive price tags attached to the authentic carved stones. But if you can afford the real deal, then go ahead. These modern versions are acceptable substitutes although it wise that you should stay away from the red and green stone lanterns. After all, you want to get an aged, mellowed look to the lantern, not an artificial one.
Both of these types of Japanese lanterns serve both practical and decorative purposes. You can place these lanterns in the garden to add charm, harmony and balance. Or you may attach a light to the stone Japanese lantern so that the path becomes well-lighted at night, not to mention add a magical aura to the area.
Function, Form and Fantasy
The right choice and placement of Japanese lanterns can create a fantasy on earth. You can achieve this by hanging the red lanterns around a tree for red "fruits" during the morning and then lighting them up at night for a romantic ambiance, by placing a cascade of small lanterns down the wall for an oriental effect, and by hanging streamers of lanterns around the garden on special occasions instead of the usual Christmas-y lights.
Not only will your garden be transformed into a magical land, your guests will also appreciate the added lights to their path. Form, function and fantasy are possible with the paper Japanese lantern. This is also true of its stone counterpart. When placed in its proper position, the stone lantern evokes the principles of Zen - minimalist, natural and harmonious. You can ask a garden expert on how best to achieve such an effect although you can refer to the general rules of stone lanterns.
For example, the pedestal lantern (tachi-gata) looks good in larger gardens especially as the focal point while the buried lantern (ikekomi-gata) can be placed near a water feature. Or that the small lanterns (oki-gata) are usually used as garden paths and pond accents while the snow lantern (yukimi-gata) looks magical with snow in it.
The Japanese lantern has made our lives more beautiful. You should have one in your home, too.