Call these what you will — hanging patio lights or solar lanterns or eco-friendly Chinese lanterns or paper tree lanterns or Shoji Japanese party lights — they are beautiful no matter what name you choose.

The manufacturers are not so far wrong when they implore you to “hang these Japanese-inspired solar lanterns from a trellis or tree and enjoy their moonlike radiance”.

It works like this: yellow LED lights (the best type when it comes to solar power) are encased in paper-like weatherproof nylon. The light automatically switches on at night after being powered by the sun all day. The set includes an AAA rechargeable battery and a metal hanger. The shade folds flat for storage.

These beautiful imports are available from Real Goods individually ($29.00 each) or in sets ($79.00 for 3).