The Millennium Gallery Japan's paper lamp collection features soft forms and unique designs rooted in "chochin," traditional Japanese paper lanterns. Chochin, with their long history in Japan, are still crafted today by artisans in three particularly famous production areas, using techniques passed down through centuries to create paper lamps suited to modern lifestyles.
Unique Japanese paper lamps, like those in Isamu Noguchi's lamp series (known as Noguchi lamps or the Akari Lamp series), inspired by "chochin," not only serve as accent pieces in interior design but also bring warmth and tranquility to a space with the soft light diffused through the washi paper. Paper lamps not only illuminate a space but also enrich it as works of light art, embodying Japanese minimalist aesthetics and simple design.
Imagine the gentle light of a washi paper lamp adding warmth to your living room or bringing a comforting serenity to your bedroom. Elevate your living space with these rare, functional, and beautiful pieces of paper lighting art that fuse traditional techniques with unique designs.
Paper lamps are lighting fixtures reminiscent of traditional Asian lanterns, bringing warmth and a soft glow to modern interiors. The light shining through the paper shade envelops living rooms and bedrooms, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Lamps made with traditional Japanese washi papermaking methods, particularly those popularized by Isamu Noguchi's Akari series, have become a trending favorite in interior design, beloved for their soft light and unique texture.
While washi paper lamps have a long history, they have been reinterpreted as contemporary designs, resulting in various styles, from functional and modern to decorative. Lightweight and portable paper shades offer flexibility, suitable for not only floor lamps but also table lamps, touch lamps, and bedside lamps in various functions and styles.
Traditional Washi Paper Lamp Manufacturing Methods
Although they may appear simple, paper lamps require a surprising number of steps and skilled techniques in their construction. Traditional Japanese paper lamps, called "chochin," are manufactured using techniques broadly categorized into the following four types. Even today, many Japanese paper lamps are handmade by multiple artisans using their specialized skills through a similar multi-stage process.
Handmade Washi Papermaking Techniques
The production process of handmade washi paper involves over ten steps. First, the raw plant materials are harvested, steamed, and stripped of their bark. This "kurokawa" (black bark) is soaked in water to soften it, and the outer layer is scraped off to make "shirokawa" (white bark). It is then boiled in an alkaline solution like lye or soda ash to further soften it, and impurities are carefully removed. Next, the net-like bark is beaten to loosen the fibers, creating the raw material for washi paper. This is mixed with water in a traditional tool called a "sukibune" (papermaking vat), and a viscous liquid called "neri," which prevents the fibers from sinking and disperses them, is added before each sheet is individually made. Afterward, the water is squeezed out using a press, and the wet paper is dried. Drying methods include air-drying and using heated iron plates. Finally, the paper is cut to size and made into products. This series of processes requires the skill and effort of artisans, representing traditional craftsmanship.
"Hari" (Stretching) Techniques
In the "hari" process of "chochin" making, a frame called "hari-gata" is assembled, and thin bamboo strips called "higo" are wound spirally to shape the lantern. The quality is determined by how the "higo" are wound and the number of "me" (stitches), with higher quality having finer stitches and more delicate "higo." Then, reinforcement is done by "itokake" (thread hanging) where thread is hooked onto the "higo," and thin paper called "koshibari" is applied to the top and bottom of the lantern. These steps prevent stretching and damage. Next, wheat flour paste is applied evenly, and the paper is carefully stretched and pasted. The use of brushes and the amount of paste require the skilled technique of artisans. After pasting the paper, excess parts are trimmed with a razor, taking great care to make the seams invisible. After the base and top layers are applied and dried, the "hari" process is completed by removing the mold and folding the "hibukuro" (lantern body). This meticulous work supports the beauty and durability of the "chochin."
"Surikomi" (Rubbing) Techniques
"Surikomi," a traditional technique of Gifu "chochin," is an essential process for creating beautiful patterns on the lanterns. Based on the original picture, a printing block for the outline is carved to create a line rubbing. Then, Ise katagami (paper stencils) are carved by "surikomishi" (stencil rubbing artisans) and reinforced with lacquer or varnish. The number of stencils varies depending on the product rank, with higher-grade items requiring more, sometimes up to 100. Before "surikomi," "dosa" (sizing) is applied to the paper, giving it gloss and stiffness while preventing the pigment from bleeding. In the "surikomi" process, pigments are kneaded and rubbed onto the paper through the stencils. To beautifully reflect the lantern's light, emphasis is placed on three-dimensionality, with delicate expressions of light and shade, and gradation. Techniques like "bokashi" (blurring) and simultaneous two-color rubbing are also used for efficient and beautiful finishing. This process, requiring the skilled techniques of artisans, is at the heart of "chochin" making.
"Etsuke" (Painting) Techniques
"Etsuke" in Gifu "chochin" is a traditional technique where the design is directly painted onto the plain "hibukuro" without preliminary sketching, requiring advanced skill to achieve a uniform pattern on the uneven curved surface. About ten "hibukuro" are lined up, and flowers, stems, and leaves are drawn in sequence based on a sample. To ensure consistent color and arrangement, the position is precisely measured as the drawing progresses. The blending and shading of paints significantly affect the light transmission and ethereal expression when the lantern is lit. Brushes and Japanese painting techniques are also carefully chosen, with techniques like "bokashi" (blurring), "tarashikomi" (dripping), and "hikkake" (scratching) used to create a three-dimensional effect. After all the processes are completed, thin lines and leaf veins are added for the finishing touch. This process requires the artist's descriptive ability and experience, playing a crucial role in determining the beauty of the "chochin."
Representative Paper Lamp Series: Isamu Noguchi's AKARI Lamp
As one of the representative paper lamp series, Isamu Noguchi's "AKARI Lamp" is widely recognized as a symbol of the fusion of Japanese traditional crafts and modern design. Noguchi (1904–1988), a Japanese-American sculptor, created many innovative works by integrating Japanese traditional culture and Western aesthetics with his unique sensibility. The "AKARI Lamp" is one such work that crystallizes his vision.
This lamp series is produced using the traditional techniques of Gifu "chochin," one of the three major "chochin" production areas in Japan. Gifu "chochin" are traditional Japanese crafts made using thin and durable Mino washi paper and easily processed bamboo from Gifu. Noguchi adopted these techniques to create the "AKARI Lamp" composed of washi paper and bamboo strips. The design, where soft light diffuses through the washi paper, brings the warmth reminiscent of moonlight into living spaces.
The name "AKARI Lamp" comes from the Japanese word "akari," meaning "light," symbolizing the beauty of light itself. The series includes a wide variety of styles, such as stand lamps and pendant lights, all with minimalist yet sculptural beauty. The texture of the washi paper and the soft lines of the bamboo strips create a quiet elegance.
Noguchi positioned the "AKARI Lamp" not merely as a lighting fixture but as a "light sculpture." His work connects Japanese and Western aesthetics through a fusion of respect for traditional culture and innovative design. As a result, the "AKARI Lamp" has earned high praise both in Japan and abroad and continues to hold a special presence in contemporary interior design.
Paper lamps made using traditional Japanese techniques possess many features that make them suitable for modern lifestyles. If you're considering incorporating paper lamps into your living space, keep the following features in mind:
Minimalist and sophisticated design
Paper lamps feature simple designs without flashy decorations, blending well with Western-style interiors and the minimalist "Japandi" style. They are also characterized by their texture and soft form that make the most of the simple beauty of paper. Because the shade is made of paper, there is a wide variety of designs, and the abundance of unique items is another reason for their popularity.
Lightness and portability
Paper lamps use washi paper for the lampshade and thinly processed wood such as bamboo for the frame, making them lightweight compared to table lamps made of iron or metal, and easy to move. They are convenient not only for major redecorating but also for easily moving paper table lamps or paper floor lamps from the bedroom to the living room dining table or entryway when guests arrive.
Excellent durability
Traditional handmade Japanese washi paper boasts a history of over 1,000 years. Traditionally used for interior decoration, washi paper is exceptionally durable. Authentic Japanese washi paper lamps use washi paper made with traditional hand-making techniques, ensuring high durability and longevity.
Relaxation effect and improved sleep quality
Many Japanese paper lamps emit a warm yellowish light of around 2700 Kelvin (K). This color temperature creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere, promoting relaxation, making them suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. Sunrise and sunset have a color temperature of around 2000K, while daylight is around 5000-6500K. Compared to light around 3000K, suitable for workspaces, lower color temperature lighting is better for relaxing spaces and bedrooms. Japanese lamps offer a wide range of lighting choices conducive to relaxation, as they diffuse warm light through shades made of materials like washi paper.
