the Wood in crafting Japanese lantern Andon is a silk oak and is native eastern coastal Australia. It is also called silky oak or silver oak. It is not related to true oaks. Before the advent of aluminum, silk lumber was external window joinery, as it is resistant to wood rot. It has been used in the manufacture of furniture, cabinetry and fences. The flowers and fruit of the silk oak contains the toxin of hydrogen cyanide.
silk oak is listed as an invasive species in Hawai’i.
silk oak used for making this lamp was harvested and milled on the island of Hawai’i by Waimea hardwoods.
Instead of traditional rice paper,the fabric for the shade is recycled Japanese kimono silk mounted on plexiglass. Prolong exposure to direct sunlight may cause the fabric colors to fade. Use only LED light bulb to prevent possibility of heat buildup.
