The Story of Japanese Paper Table Lamp “AKASHI” & “TSUDOI”

In today's fast-paced world, many seek a peaceful retreat at home, where light plays a crucial role in creating a serene atmosphere. A paper table lamp, like the AKASHI and TSUDOI, offers both elegance and warmth, enhancing intimate spaces with a calming glow.

Rooted in Japan's rich tradition, these lamps blend the craftsmanship of Gifu Chochin lanterns and Buddhist altars with a modern design. Tailored to complement Japandi-style interiors, they provide more than just light—they infuse your home with tranquility and timeless beauty.

The light cast by AKASHI and TSUDOI is born from the fusion of two different, venerable Japanese traditions: the intricate techniques of "Gifu Chochin" (Gifu lanterns), and the master craftsmanship of "Buddhist altar and ritual object making" (Butsugu Seisaku), cultivated over many years by the manufacturer, Wakabayashi Butsugu.

Gifu Chochin are traditional craft items made by meticulously hand-pasting "Mino Washi" paper onto a frame of spirally wound thin bamboo strips. The washi paper shades of AKASHI and TSUDOI employ this traditional method. The unique texture of Mino Washi, along with the soft light diffused through it, brings a gentle atmosphere to the entire space, reflecting the essence of the wabi sabi style.

This Gifu lantern technique is then fused with the mastery that Wakabayashi Butsugu has refined through their craft. In Japan, Buddhist altars are special items deeply connected to the spiritual aspects of life. Their creation demands a diverse range of traditional skills, a durability that allows them to be passed down through generations, and a serene beauty that calms the heart. The profound respect for materials, the precision processing techniques, and the spirituality required to create a "space for prayer" are alive in the production of AKASHI and TSUDOI. Through the intersection of these different traditions, these lamps become presences imbued with a deep narrative and tranquility.

AKASHI and TSUDOI are manufactured by Wakabayashi Butsugu, a venerable company founded in 1830 in Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto. For nearly 200 years, the company has dedicated itself to the creation of Japanese Buddhist altars and ritual objects.

The workshops of Wakabayashi Butsugu are home to artisans possessing the highest caliber of skills in Japanese traditional crafts. They have also undertaken the restoration of numerous Buddhist statues and altars designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. This demonstrates their technical ability and commitment to quality are trusted at the highest level.

Leveraging the high technical skill and deep knowledge of materials cultivated in the making of Buddhist altars, Wakabayashi Butsugu also actively develops new products suited to modern lifestyles. AKASHI and TSUDOI were born from the "master techniques" they have polished over their nearly 200-year history. The precision, durability, and aesthetic that brings peace to the heart—qualities demanded in butsugu making—are present in these lamps. This is a light imbued with a craftsmanship that connects to spirituality. Knowing this story will make the light that this Japanese paper lamp brings to your space resonate even more deeply.

AKASHI and TSUDOI feature sophisticated forms that incorporate the soft light of traditional Gifu lantern washi paper shades while fusing the aesthetic sensibilities and modern design cultivated by Wakabayashi Butsugu. Both lamps convey the warmth of handcraft and are cordless, powered by two AAA batteries, offering the freedom to be placed anywhere.

In both models, the traditional washi shade and the deep understanding of materials cultivated in butsugu making are fused with modern minimalist design, key to Japanese design interior. They are "modern lanterns" imbued with tradition, innovation, and tranquility.

Both "AKASHI" and “TSUDOI” are cordless, lightweight, and portable. This freedom dramatically changes how you can use light in your daily life, allowing you to create your own "Sanctuary" anywhere in your home.

There is no need to worry about the location of a power outlet. Place it in the entryway, on a windowsill, or at your bedside as a reading lamp. Knowing its background in Buddhist altar making may even lend the light a more deeply calming, meditative atmosphere, perfect for a zen room.

Placed on a Japandi living room side table, a shelf, or in the corner of a study desk, it becomes a sophisticated accent. With TSUDOI's hanging handle, you can suspend it over a table, adding a three-dimensional element of light to your wabi sabi living room. The "candle-like glow" of TSUDOI is especially perfect for dinnertime tables. The soft light filtered through washi paper is gentle on the eyes and brings a calm atmosphere to the entire space. It blends naturally into various interiors, making the space more comfortable and refined. AKASHI and TSUDOI are items that deliver Japan's deep traditions, artisanal skill, and a heart-soothing glow to every part of your life.

To preserve the beautiful washi paper shades and material textures of your paper table lamp for a long time, careful maintenance is essential. The washi paper shade is delicate. If dust accumulates, gently brush it off with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid rubbing forcefully or using a wet cloth.

For the wooden (oak, Mukuge wood) and metal (brass, steel) base parts, wipe gently with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use chemical detergents or cleaners containing abrasives. Brass, in particular, has a characteristic of changing its texture over time. You can either enjoy this natural aging process or, if you wish to maintain its shine, gently polish it with a dedicated brass cleaner. As it is battery-operated, be very careful with water.

With proper care, you can enjoy the beautiful light and design of ”AKASHI” and ”TSUDOI” for many years to come. This connects to a richer way of life that cherishes and values true worth.

"AKASHI" and “TSUDOI” are art pieces that fuse the deep tradition of Japanese Buddhist altar making, the techniques of Gifu Chochin and Mino Washi, and a design that captures contemporary needs. They are also designed to be extremely user-friendly in various modern environments, allowing people worldwide to enjoy their light.

The color temperature of the light from this series is a very warm incandescent tone, and the "candle-like glow" of TSUDOI, in particular, calms the mind and enhances relaxation. The products are designed for indoor use only.

AKASHI and TSUDOI are "luminous crafts" created by Wakabayashi Butsugu—a company with a nearly 200-year history—by fusing their exceptional master techniques and spirituality from Buddhist altar making with the tradition of Gifu Chochin and Mino Washi. The deep respect for materials, the precise handwork, and the serene aesthetic required in butsugu making reside within these lamps. They offer modern functionality with their cordless portability, the elegant form of AKASHI, and the hangable design and warm, candle-like glow of TSUDOI.

The Japanese Paper Table Lamps AKASHI and TSUDOI are a fascinating series that masterfully fuse the techniques and spirituality of Buddhist altar craftsmanship with traditional Japanese techniques of Gifu Chochin and Mino Washi, as well as innovative functionality suited to modern lifestyles.

Born from a background deeply connected to spirituality, their light brings a profound stillness and tranquility to a space. The freedom of cordless operation allows you to carry this special light, a fusion of tradition and innovation, to any part of your life. These lamps are excellent Japanese bedroom ideas for those crafting a unique Japanese bedroom design. We invite you to welcome AKASHI or TSUDOI into your home, perfect for completing your Japandi or Japandi interior design.