I really like Jan's idea of a folded fabric origami flower. Another option is a butterfly or moth. We all know how moths are attracted to lantern light after dark and one being attracted to your Japanese lantern would also fit right into theme. Some moths are quite beautiful like luna moths and there are some really beautiful asian print fabrics and batiks that feature butterflies. I would fussy cut one out and stuff it up like trapunto so it was 3-D. Perhaps cut out two of the same motif and use the back of the fabric as the bottom of the butterfly. Then you could do just the one applique.