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Camel Skin Lamps: What They Are, Sizes, Placement and Care
Camel skin lamps are handmade table and wall lamps whose shade is made from camel skin, stretched and hand painted, usually on a wooden base. The craft is closely linked with Multan. They give a soft, warm glow and our listings start at PKR 2,199. Here is how to choose a size, place a lamp and look after it.
Quick answer
- What they are: lamps with a hand painted camel skin shade, on a wood base for table lamps, or made for the wall.
- Sizes in our shop: 8 inch, 12 inch, 16 inch, 18 inch and 20 inch table lamps, and 13 inch, 16 inch and 21 inch wall lamps.
- Prices: from PKR 2,199 for a cylindrical table lamp up to PKR 6,300 for the large wall lamp.
- Care: wipe with a soft, dry cloth and keep away from water.
- Good to know: camel skin is an animal material. Our product pages describe the lamps as ethically sourced.
What is a camel skin lamp?
A camel skin lamp has a shade made from camel skin that has been prepared, shaped and painted by hand. The skin is thin enough to let light pass through, which is why the lamp glows from inside. Flowers, leaves, birds and village scenes are common designs, and the colours on our product pages are described as natural dyes taken from fruits, flowers and vegetables.
The product pages place the craft in Multan and describe it as part of the wider Multani art tradition, the same city known for blue pottery. If you are curious about that side of the craft, see our guide to blue pottery in Multan.
How are they made?
We only describe what our own product pages state. Each lamp is made by hand, with no machine work, and painted by hand by Pakistani artisans. The shade is camel skin, and table lamps stand on a wooden base. One listing names Sheesham wood. A wall lamp page says every step from tanning to painting is done by hand, with no harsh chemicals. For anything more specific about a particular lamp, message us and we will ask the artisan.
Sizes and prices
| Lamp | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Circular camel skin lamp | 8 inches | PKR 3,050 |
| Blue pottery cylindrical lamp | 12, 16 or 18 inches | From PKR 2,199 |
| Cylindrical Multani art table lamp | 12, 16 or 18 inches | From PKR 2,632 |
| Multicolour side table lamp | 20 inches | PKR 4,999 |
| Wall mounted lamp, 12 designs | 13 by 13 or 16 by 16 inches | From PKR 2,630 |
| Round wall lamp with Allah calligraphy | 21 inches | PKR 6,300 |
Prices on variable listings depend on the size you choose, and all prices can change. See every design in the camel skin lamps collection.
How to choose the right lamp
- Bedside table: an 8 inch or 12 inch lamp keeps the table clear. A pair on both sides of the bed looks balanced.
- Living room side table or console: 16 to 20 inches gives presence without crowding.
- Corner or floor level display: the taller cylindrical sizes work best.
- Hallway, prayer corner or feature wall: a wall mounted lamp frees up table space.
- Colour: a bold multicolour shade suits plain walls. A softer palette suits a room that already has a lot of pattern.
Where to place a camel skin lamp
Put it where you can see the glow and the painted pattern from your usual seat. Keep it on a stable surface with space around the shade, away from curtains and from the edge of the table. Avoid damp spots such as bathrooms, and avoid direct sun for long hours, which can fade painted colour on any decorative piece.
Care and cleaning
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth. One product page says to wipe with a soft cloth for low maintenance.
- Do not use water, sprays or cleaning liquids on the painted skin.
- Unplug the lamp before you clean it, and let the bulb cool first.
- Check the bulb on each listing. The blue pottery cylindrical lamp page says an LED bulb is included, while the circular lamp page says the bulb is not included. If you are unsure which bulb suits your lamp, ask us before you buy.
- Move the lamp by the base, not by the shade.
Things to know before you buy
Camel skin is an animal product. If that does not suit you, a ceramic lamp may be a better choice. Our product pages describe the skin as ethically sourced, and they describe the lamps as unbreakable and suitable for homes with children and pets. As with any decorative lamp, treat it with care and keep the shade away from heat. Custom orders take longer: the product pages mention about two weeks for custom pieces and 4 to 7 days for in stock items.
If you want a gift, the tea set and camel skin lamp deal combines a 15 piece tea set with a 16 inch cylindrical lamp for PKR 14,999.
Frequently asked questions
What are camel skin lamps made of?
The shade is camel skin, painted by hand, and the base of a table lamp is wood. Wall lamps are made for mounting on the wall.
Where do camel skin lamps come from?
The craft is linked with Multan in South Punjab, and our lamps are handmade by Pakistani artisans.
How do I clean a camel skin lamp?
Unplug it, let it cool and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use water or cleaning liquids on the painted skin.
What is the price of a camel skin lamp in Pakistan?
Our camel skin lamps start from PKR 2,199 for a cylindrical table lamp. Larger and wall mounted designs cost more, up to PKR 6,300.
Does the lamp come with a bulb?
It depends on the listing. Check the product page for the lamp you like, or ask us.
See the full camel skin lamps collection to choose a size and design for your room.