Water drop shoji lantern

The four panels of this lantern are backed by ginwashi mizutama, a handmade paper whose name evokes its character: mizutama means “drops of water,” an organic dot pattern woven into every sheet. Fibrous inclusions give the illuminated surface a quiet, living quality.

What sets this lantern apart is its kumiko lattice, worked in the mitsugumite pattern — an intricate three-way joint that produces a continuous field of interlocking triangles and diamonds across each panel. The construction is as compelling up close as it is from across the room. Tapered legs and a clean-lined cap give the piece a lighter, more open presence than a traditional box lantern.

The base is just over 8 inches square, suited to an end table or nightstand, and available in battery or wired configurations.

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