This specific type of lantern is really hard to find--I don't know why, but I've searched for them before and had difficulty. There is one place in LA, called New Stone Age, that sells them sometimes (probably at a significant markup). I don't have a phone number, but they are on West Third St. in West Hollywood, if you want to look them up.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else knows of a local Bay Area source!

I've seen them in Chinatown SF as recently as a month ago.

I have a pink one like that I could see to you. Let me if you'd like it. Thanks!

Minga--where in Chinatown specifically? This is good news!

I know this is way off the beaten path, but I found THE most amazing antique chinese lantern in a shop in Atlanta. Not exactly this style but rather the traditional pagoda shape, with incredible embroidery and fret work, for about 200.00. I kept thinking that I wished I knew someone who could use it.

I don't see the specific one you're looking for, but a good online place for lanterns is www.asianideas.com

Have you gone down to Clement Street? There are a couple of good stores that sell lanterns: Kamei (on the south side of the street near 6th) and on the north side of the street near 8th there are a few 99cent style stores that sell lots of fun lanterns and stuff like that.

You might also bring that picture and ask one of the clerks... to save time.

I just found something almost identical at orangelola.com. You should check it out.

Where is the lantern shop in Atlanta? Name? Give me another good reason for making my yearly pilgrimage to see family there.

good to know! thank you all. i actually live in L.A. now-- but moved from sf. i was just on clement street and couldn't find anything like it. the crazy thing was when i ordered it, i just ordered it as a silk lantern.(they had a basic line drawing of the shapes on the website) i received a funny little email asking me what shape and color i preferred. i think i paid around 20 dollars for it. i was THRILLED when it arrived. such a great suprise. had i known that they were so rare, i would have ordered more.

chelsea, you're a rock star!

orangelola has it! woo hoo! thank you!

megan

I had been looking for those too! everywhere! Couldn't even find one on Ebay! SOmehow I stumbled onto this site! thanks for the lead!

I used to carry them in my online shop. I will be getting more in about 2 weeks. Pink, white (same as your photo) and in two sizes.

Rooms & Gardens has them. 805-965-2424
www.roomsandgardens.com

I have no idea if you're still looking, or checking this site, but I was looking for just that type of lantern, made from bark and other organic materials, and went out to Chinatown where I found they have a large selection at China Bazaar, in the basement, although they have all of them hanging from the ceiling on the main floor, visible through the front windows. China Bazaar is at 667 Grant Ave, which is Grant at San Francisco; 415 391 6369. They had all the sizes and shapes, in pretty much all of the colors, today.

667 Grant Ave. is Grant at Sacramento, not San Francisco...