How We Support Craftspeople and Artisans
When it comes to decorating a space, lighting is an essential element that sets the mood and ambiance. There are thousands of lighting options available on the market that can cater to various styles and preferences; however, if you're looking for unique, artisan lighting pieces with a human touch, we’ve got you covered.
At LanternShop.com, we don't just design lanterns; we craft stories, preserve heritage, and support the livelihoods of skilled artisans across India and Morocco. We have spent years collaborating directly with specialized craftspeople in India and Morocco who have been perfecting their glass and metalwork traditions for generations. Keep reading to learn about how we support the craftsmen and artisans who bring our lanterns to life!
A Journey of Craftsmanship and Heritage
Our journey begins with a simple yet profound appreciation for the traditional crafts that have flourished in the markets of Marrakech and the lanes of Uttar Pradesh. These regions are renowned for their rich history in glass and metal work, a craft passed down through generations, each piece a testament to the artisan's skill, creativity, and dedication.
Supporting Traditional Artisanal Crafts
We are passionate about bringing traditional crafts to modern homes, and so we work directly with the artisans themselves. There are no distributors, middleman, or brokers. Our artisan partners set their own prices, and their own terms and expectations. Working hand-in-hand with skilled craftspeople takes a little more effort and coordination on our part. There are barriers of language and of time zone differences, but we like to get to know the artisans we work with. so we ensure that we support small-scale artisanal industries in India and Morocco. This support helps to preserve those communities' long-standing heritage of high-quality handcrafted metal and glass work.
Quality Beyond Compare - Custom-Cut Glass and Metalwork
There are NO made-in-China knockoffs here! All of our lanterns come from the countries whose craft traditions they represent. Each lantern's glass and metalwork are custom-cut to exact specifications by expert craftsmen. They are not mass produced from a 3d printer, but rather made individually in small batches. For instance, each glass panel in our lanterns fully metal framed, not held in place by one or two tabs. The methods, quality of materials and careful attention to detail increases not just the aesthetics but also the durability of the lanterns, and ensures that they last for years to come!
Small Business to Small Business
LanternShop.com is a US-based small business, and the craftspeople in India and Morocco we work with are very much the same! These are small, local businesses who are comprised of artisan families, in some cases with a history going back 4 generations. In fact, all of the artisan businesses we work with have 10-15 employees or less.
We like to build relationships with our craft partners, the longest of which goes back almost 20 years. And these long running relationships are reflected in the detail and precision involved in bring our designs to life. All the design features in every lantern are intricately hand-cut, hand-welded, and hand-crafted. These detailed design elements create a unique centerpiece in any room.
Fair Trade Practices
LanternShop.com employs fair trade practices with our craftsmen and artisans. This means that we ensure that workers are paid fairly for their skills and time. Our direct relationship with artisans allows us to ensure that earnings go immediately to their small businesses with no middlemen involved. Furthermore, we invest in the communities we work with by contributing to local initiatives such as the India Development and Relief Fund that aim to improve living conditions, education, and healthcare. Our goal is to ensure that the artisans and their families thrive, not just survive.
Shop Lanterns at Lanternshop.com
Investing in a LanternShop.com lantern not only brings an elegant and exquisite lighting element to your space, but it also supports the ancient artisanal crafts prevalent in India and Morocco. Each lantern is handmade with precision and care. Shop the collection of decorative lanterns at LanternShop.com today, and make a statement in your space.