Making Large Japanese Lanterns

These five large Japanese lanterns were made for Opera Queensland's 2012 production of "The Mikado". The photo on the right gives an idea of their relative size. Standing over two metres tall they have a commanding presence.

Their construction was straightforward however the concave section in the middle was tricky to achieve which is described below. The timber lattice window sections are backed with translucent acrylic sheet to diffuse the lights that will be installed inside.

Steps in construction

The middle concave sections were first cut from plywood sheets and then assembled in the form of a cross. The edges were mitred so that bendy ply could be glued into the concave sections. After one pair of sides had dried the second pair of sides were covered making an enclosed column

To make the lattice windows strips of wood were placed in a jig and a router used to cut the slots needed to assemble the timber lattice sections. Once these had all been cut timber frames were made and the lattice strips were assembled inside the frames and glued in position.

After all the lattice windows were built four lattice panels were joined together to make the top assembly of the lanterns. Opal translucent Perspex was fitted behind the lattice to diffuse the lights that would be fitted inside.

After all the top assemblies were completed they were attached to the tops of the lantern columns.

Next the tops of the lanterns were made. These were made removeable so as to be able to access the lights that would be placed inside.

The completed lanterns were now ready to be painted. Several coats of paint were applied, sanding between each coat, so as to get a smooth glossy finish.