Lanterns of all descriptions appear to be giving bright ideas to lighting designers everywhere.
Some are giving a modern twist to the papery pleats of old-fashioned lanterns. Swedish brand Unit Arkitektur offers a dramatic fixture that can anchor the interior of a dining room. Others, such as those made by Taiwan's Huang Chieh-ting, incorporate the metal and glass shapes from camping lanterns.
However they are rendered, there is something comforting about the warmth and intimacy of a lantern.
The Shining series of pendant lampshades by Swiss designer Andreas Saxer (andreas-saxer.com) was inspired by Chinese paper lanterns and made from frosted glass. The collection is available through the designer.
The Urban Camper series by Huang was shown recently at the London Design Festival, but is still in the prototype stage. The collection, which draws on Asian symbolism, has a distinctly modern appeal - the metal framework of the fixtures was inspired by traditional Chinese bamboo lanterns. Huang can be contacted through londondesignfestival.com.
Dutch designer Paula Arntzen (paulaarntzen.nl) has done something completely different in her collection, Paula's Paper Process. The exterior of the handmade lanterns is made entirely of paper and is the result of numerous experiments with the material. The lighting is available through artecnicainc.com.