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Hey there world, we’re excited to officially kick off our store here at Zen-lamps.com. It’s been incredibly fun gathering up some of the coolest lamps and lanterns on earth, and I know that you’ll find something you’ll love. Here’s a brief look the different categories we have for for you, all explained in plain English.
When I first hear the term “Zen Lamp”, I picture a Japanese Garden Stone Lantern sitting beside a peaceful zen garden. You can find these traditional stone lanterns in all shapes, sizes, and designs throughout Japan, and they add a wonderfully unique tranquil vibe to any outdoor setting. But unfortunately, they’re awfully hard to come by in the States. We didn’t let that get us down, though – we found some of the best, artfully carved from real natural stone. And now we’re happy to bring them straight to your door!
One of the most popular Zen Lamp categories is the Japanese Shoji type. Many of Japan’s lantern designs utilize the principle of rice paper as a light-diffuser, and the Shoji combines this with beautifully simple-yet-bold designs that can add the perfect atmospheric touch to any home or office. Many different shapes and sizes of lamps can fall under the broad “Shoji” umbrella, but it usually refers to a Japanese-style wooden frame used to hold the lighting element and the rice paper shading. You probably wouldn’t imagine that a lamp made from wood and paper would offer sturdy construction, but these lamps are durable as well as beautiful. They are made to stay with you for the long haul, lasting many people for decades.
Japanese Floor Lamps (some of which are Shoji style) provide an excellent way to add ambient floor lighting to dark areas. You’ll find some of the biggest Shoji lamps available, which are perfect for great rooms or large office lobbies. Some of our models are even in the shape of a handy nightstand with an Asian flare, making them practical as well as beautiful.
If you’re looking for something a little more compact, we’re more than happy to help! We have Japanese Table Lamps & Lanterns in all shapes and styles, so you’re sure to find something that will perfectly match your décor. These small lamps are great for small-area lighting such as kitchen tables and bars, and you’ll find the soft ambient glow perfect for a night-light. For an interesting conservative styling choice in the same small size, check out our Ido (Edo) Lamps as well. And if you want to add an extra dose of culture to your tabletop, be sure to see our collection of Japanese Art Lamps, too. They feature beautiful Japanese artwork in many styles, from simple minimalist ink drawings to elaborate colorful woodblocks of Japanese cultural icons.
If you’re on the hunt for something with even more history, check out our Antique Lamps page. At the time of launch, we only have one lamp on display there – which should tell you that it’s a must-see! It was worthy enough to be made into its own category.
For those who are looking to add an Asian touch to their kitchen or dining room, we recommend a Japanese Ceiling Lamp, which offer a quick and easy installation with a beautiful aesthetic. Japanese Hanging Lanterns are another quick way to add a bit of drama and fun to your room’s fixed lighting without going to a lot of trouble. Traditional round paper lanterns are a perfect addition to spice up a dorm room or apartment.
Lastly, if you’re on the prowl for some of the most hip, modernized Japanese lamp designs, have a look at our Modern Zen Lamps section to find something that matches your stylish sensibilities. (While still preserving the traditional lighting principles that makes Japanese lamps so great.)
Even with all these choices under our belts, we’re still always on the prowl for more. We’ll continue to search the globe for more superior-quality, superior-style Japanese lamps that we can bring to you at affordable prices. Keep checking back often for the latest additions.
We look forward to serving your lighting needs for years to come. As the Japanese would say, yoroshiku o-negai shimasu!