Buying Moroccan Lanterns: Styles, Prices & How to Ship Them Home

For small to medium lanterns, the safest method is to remove any loose glass panels and wrap each one individually in bubble wrap or thick socks, then reassemble the frame and pad it inside a rigid container — a hard-sided suitcase or a purpose-bought box. Place the lantern in the centre of the bag, surrounded by clothing. Mark your luggage as fragile and consider photographing the lantern before packing so you have a record if anything breaks. For anything over 40 cm, strong checked luggage and double-boxing with foam is the way to go.

Yes, and it is surprisingly common. DHL and FedEx both operate in Marrakech and Fes and handle decorative metalwork exports regularly. Many larger lantern workshops can pack and palletise your purchase on-site and organise freight shipping directly to your door. Expect to pay indicatively 800–3,000 MAD ($80–$300) for courier shipping of a medium chandelier to Europe, and more to North America or Australia. Factor in customs duty at home — most countries classify lanterns as decorative metalwork, attracting 0–6.5 % duty depending on the destination.

Brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) is harder, heavier, and more golden in colour; it is the most common material for pierced Moroccan lanterns and holds fine geometric cutwork well. Copper is softer, warmer in tone, and develops an attractive patina over time. Copper filigree lanterns from Fes and Tetouan tend to have finer, more intricate wirework. Both are genuine traditional materials — the choice is aesthetic. Be cautious of lacquered steel or zinc pieces painted to look like brass; these are lighter, dent more easily, and the coating eventually chips.

Marrakech has the widest selection and the most competitive market, particularly in the Souk des Ferronniers and along Rue des Ksour, where metalworkers produce pieces on-site. Fes has a smaller but often higher-quality range, particularly for copper filigree and traditional designs less influenced by tourism trends — the workshops near Ain Azliten are worth the walk. For the distinctive Tamegroute green-glass lanterns you need to visit the Draa Valley, or look for them in specialist craft stores in Marrakech that stock southern Moroccan goods.

Indicative fair prices (after negotiation) are roughly: a small candle lantern (15–20 cm) around 80–150 MAD ($8–$15); a medium hanging lantern (25–35 cm) around 200–500 MAD ($20–$50); a large statement piece (40–60 cm) around 500–900 MAD ($50–$90). Lanterns with coloured glass panels typically cost 30–50 % more than plain pierced brass equivalents of the same size. Custom or bespoke pieces from a workshop start around 800 MAD and take 3–5 days to produce.

Decorative metal lanterns are generally unrestricted by customs in the UK, EU, USA, Canada, and Australia — they are classified as home furnishings or decorative metalwork, not cultural heritage items. You may owe import duty if the declared value exceeds your personal allowance ($800 in the USA, £390 in the UK, €430 in the EU for air passengers). Keep your receipt. For shipped goods, your courier or freight forwarder will handle the export declaration from the Moroccan side, and you may be asked to pay duty and VAT on arrival depending on the destination country.

Absolutely, and it makes a significant difference. A trusted guide knows which workshops sell direct and bypass the souk price inflation, can communicate in Darija to negotiate fairly, and can spot quality issues you might miss — like thin brass, poorly soldered joins, or hairline cracks in glass panels. A private tour with a Marrakech or Fes specialist who knows the medina artisan quarter is the most effective way to shop for crafts at honest prices and with confidence in what you are buying.