Shoji Lamps
行灯
Life’s too short for crappy lighting.
Japanese have long understood the need for atmosphere in their lighting.
Japanase interiors are characterised by a subtle, moody warmth. Here’s some examples of Japanese lamps, shoji lamps and Japanese lanterns in action.
What are “Shoji lamps”?
Technically Shoji 障子 refer to the latticed paper doors that divide traditional Japanese homes. So the term “Shoji lamp” is a bit of misnomer, it is more accurate to say a “shoji-style lamp”, being a lamp that is in the style of a shoji paper door. Indeed, it would sound strange to a Japanese person to say a “shoji-lamp” in Japanese. It would be like saying a “door lamp”. These are called 行灯 “ando” or “andon” in Japanese (literally a going-light). For all intents and purposes though the term “Shoji lamp” has become the accepted term in English, so we will go with that here.
What are Shoji Lamps (Ando) made of?
Traditionally, these lamps were made of silk over wood, but later came to be made of Japanese Washi paper. Japanese doors and lamps are not made of “rice paper”. This is a common misconception but not based in fact. Washi is made from a variety of materials including Kozo (Mulberry), Mitsumata (Oriental Paperbush – possibly where the “rice paper” confusion comes from), ganpi or hemp.
Many listings you will see for lamps still list the materials as “rice paper”. These will actually be made from trees such as Tetrapanax papyrifer or mulberry. Hopefully, that clears up some of the confusion.
Shoji Lamp (Ando) uses
There’s plenty of uses for Shoji lamps. The brightness level, originally used in feudal times, is actually a great fit for modern uses where you want a subtle light that gives some warmth but which is not invasive. They can work well as a bedside table lamp, computer desk light, bookending a mantle piece, even to give atmosphere to a bathroom.
And if you’re a gamer, already ensconced in the digital world of, say, Sword of the Samurai, Yakuza O or Onimusha Warlords, why not get into the spirit of it in the real world too with a traditional Japanese shoji lamp?
There are some great items that are available online, falling into the main categories of:
- Bedside/Desk lamps
- Hanging shoji lamps
- Floor Lamps
Japanese Shoji Lamps on Aliexpress
Look for more Japanese Shoji Lights on Aliexpress
Japanese Lights available on Amazon
Floor Lamps
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Floor Lamps
Brightech Parker LED Floor lamp, 48 Inches Tall Lamp with Wood Frame, Asian Design Lamp for Bedroom, Decorative Tower…
Rated 0 out of 5$84.99 View product on Amazon -
Floor Lamps
Brightech Maxwell – Modern Shelf Floor Lamp with Lamp Shade and LED Bulb – Corner Display Floor Lamps with Shelves for…
Rated 0 out of 5$49.99 View product on Amazon
Desk Lamps
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Lamps and Shades
Import Nomad Unbound Japanese Lamp Lantern Asian Lamp – Table Lamp Japanese Decor Cherry Blossom Lamp for Nightstand…
Rated 0 out of 5$49.95 View product on Amazon -
Home
Oriental Furniture Washitsu Japanese Table Lamp – Black
Rated 0 out of 5$86.09 View product on Amazon -
Home
Oriental Furniture Watashi Japanese Table Lamp – Dark
Rated 0 out of 5$46.61 View product on Amazon -
Home
Oriental Furniture 19″ Hokkaido Lamp with Drawer – Honey
Rated 0 out of 5$107.68 View product on Amazon -
Home
Oriental Furniture 18″ Cranes Shoji Lamp – Rosewood
Rated 0 out of 5$42.48 View product on Amazon
Hanging & Ceiling Lamps
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Hanging & Wall Lamps
Oriental Furniture 14″ Itashi Japanese Hanging Lantern
Rated 0 out of 5$169.00 View product on Amazon
Look for more Japanese lighting options on Amazon
If you are after something a little more one-of-a-kind, try some of these items on Etsy.
Japanese Lights available on Etsy
Floor Lamps
Desk Lamps
Hanging & Ceiling Lamps
Look for more Japanese lighting options on Etsy
"I often stand in front of the shoji and stare at the bright but not dazzling light coming through the paper.
Changing the lighting in a room really is one of the quickest ways to transform a space. Whichever Shoji Lamp choose to go with, we hope you end up with a soothing, warm experience!
If you are looking wider than just Shoji lamps in particular, try our general JAPANESE LAMPS page.
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