Exploring Lantern Shapes
Vietnamese lanterns, or "đèn lồng," transcend illumination; they encapsulate a cultural heritage and aesthetic beauty that grace the skies and streets of Hoi An. Lanterns hold an integral place in Vietnamese traditions, adorning festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Tết (Lunar New Year).
Their shapes, diverse and captivating, tell stories of tradition, celebration, and artistry. Let's take a deeper look into these enchanting lanterns and the wide variety of shapes offering an array of sizes to suit various settings. The tradition of lantern-making in Vietnam is believed to have been influenced by Chinese and Japanese cultures but has developed its own unique styles using bamboo frames and covered with silk fabric. Each shape tells a unique tale, contributing to the visual tapestry of Hoi An.
The Round shaped lantern also know as the Apple or Lotus, have notable origins in Vietnam, with its own unique history and tradition. This shape is associated with the moon, making it a popular choice during Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival).
Another classic shape, the Balloon-shaped lantern which resembles air balloons, capture hearts with their elegance and popularity. This shape creates a harmonious aesthetic when paired with round and garlic shaped lanterns.
Cylinder shaped lanterns are usually made with steel and therefore remains a popular shape within Vietnam. The shipping costs are very high to ship abroad and creating this shape with bamboo using their structured design, requires a high level of skill!
With its pointed edges, you can see why this shape is called the Diamond, the sharp angles contrast beautifully with rounder shapes, so you can position it near round lanterns or teardrop shaped lanterns to create visual contrast.
The Garlic shaped lantern stands out and pairs well with the balloon shaped lanterns. This particular shape works great in pairs, providing a unique visual appeal that can catch the eye and create a focal point in your garden or patio.
Crafted with precision, the Lozenge shaped lantern boasts a sleek design that tapers at the top and bottom, exuding an air of sophistication. Also known as the cake shape, this lantern perfectly compliments our diamond, teardrop, and tube shapes.
Teardrop, also known as Diamond-upside-down lanterns are perfect for filling in gaps between larger lanterns, adding depth to the arrangement. Their unique shape adds elegance to any space, creating a visually appealing display.
UFO shaped lanterns create a distinctive and standout presence, place these lanterns lower in the arrangement, anchoring the display. Position the UFO shaped lanterns strategically to draw attention and create a focal point within the display. The UFO shape is more expensive than the other shapes due to its vast size which requires more raw materials and a more complicated construction process.
