Lamps
A Chinese lamp softens its light through silk, paper or carved wood.
Three looks for a Chinese room
Palace lantern
A wood frame with silk or glass panels, often six-sided, hanging from the ceiling. It suits a dining table or an entry.
Jar lamp
A ginger jar or vase becomes the base. Set a pair on a console or bedside tables and the room falls into symmetry.
Paper or bamboo shade
Rice paper and woven bamboo break a bright bulb into a soft glow. They fit low ceilings and quiet corners.
Two thousand years ago, a Han lamp already swallowed its smoke.
Before you plug it in
Keep paper and silk shades clear of hot bulbs. Have wired antique lamps checked by an electrician before use.
Lamps
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
What is a Chinese palace lamp?
A palace lamp, or gong deng, is a framed lantern with silk or glass panels, once made for court halls. Modern versions hang in dining rooms and entries.
Can I use a lamp from China in the US?
Only if it is rated for 120V. Lamps built for China run on 220V, and the plug may still fit a US outlet, so read the label. Look for a UL or ETL listing, or have an electrician rewire it.
What bulb should I use in a paper lamp?
An LED in warm white, around 2700K. It stays cool near paper and silk. Cool white also flattens red lacquer and dark wood, while warm light brings out their color.
