Chinese palace lanterns (gong deng) are among the most recognizable symbols of traditional Chinese culture. These handcrafted lighting pieces have illuminated palaces, temples, and festivals for over 2,000 years. Unlike mass-produced paper lanterns, genuine palace lanterns feature wooden frames, hand-painted silk panels, and intricate craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Traditional Wooden Palace Lanterns: Made from aged redwood or beech, these feature hand-carved frames with silk panels hand-painted with scenes from Chinese mythology, flowers, birds, or calligraphy. Available in round, hexagonal, and octagonal shapes.
Ceiling Palace Lanterns: Designed for permanent installation on ceilings. These range from small single-tier pieces (12-16 inches) to grand multi-tier chandelier-style lanterns (36-60 inches) suitable for restaurants, hotels, and large halls.
Festival & Hanging Lanterns: Lighter and more portable, these are used for Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and weddings. Typically made with a bamboo frame and silk cover, they come with metal hooks for easy hanging.
Electric Palace Lanterns: Modern versions that replace candle flames with LED bulbs. The best ones retain the hand-painted silk panels and wooden frame while offering safe, long-lasting illumination.
Authentic palace lanterns use specific materials that define their quality:
Each lantern typically takes 3-7 days to handcraft, depending on the complexity of the painting.
Measure your space before buying:
Many Chinese lantern craftsmen offer custom painting. You can request specific patterns: dragons, phoenixes, peonies, landscapes, or your own design. Custom calligraphy panels are also popular for businesses wanting their name in traditional Chinese script.
China-Cart.com has been supplying authentic palace lanterns since 2003. Every lantern is handcrafted by master artisans using traditional techniques. Free custom sizing and painting available on all orders.