The Story of Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "BEANS LIGHT"

Escape the daily hustle and find serenity. For us, "home" transcends mere dwelling; it's a sanctuary for calm and rejuvenation. While many elements shape this precious space, the power of light is profound.　Lighting not only dispels darkness but imbues warmth and depth, fostering inner peace. Freely arranged floor lamps and table lamps effectively introduce gentle accents of light, creating a pleasant ambiance. 

Globally, Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship are experiencing renewed appreciation, with lighting fixtures blending tradition and contemporary design gaining significant attention. The Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "BEANS LIGHT" series is a true art piece of light, born from the union of Japan's rich heritage and modern sensibility, designed to enrich your sanctuary. Far from mass-produced items, this light, infused with genuine Japanese handwork, will bring quiet, profound peace to your life, serving beautifully as a living room lamp or a bedroom lamp.

The unique light emitted by the "BEANS LIGHT" series originates from two significant traditional techniques cultivated over Japan's long history: Mino Washi, with a history exceeding 1300 years, and the artistry of Gifu Lanterns, dating back to the Edo period. 

Mino Washi is a representative Japanese hand-ladled paper, passed down since the Nara period. Its remarkable thinness, surprising strength, and beautiful texture that softly diffuses light are its greatest charms. Crafted by skilled artisans who meticulously hand-ladle each sheet using carefully selected materials, Mino Washi is delicate yet durable, delivering a uniform and gentle light. This exceptional quality was globally recognized as part of the "Washi, craftsmanship of Japanese hand-made paper," designated a national traditional craft in 1985 and inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014. The traditional technique of Gifu Lanterns breathes new life into this beautiful paper. 

Developed as Bon Chochin (Obon lanterns) over 300 years ago, Gifu Lanterns are created through the intricate handwork of forming a frame from thin bamboo strips and carefully pasting thin Mino Washi onto it. The beautiful three-dimensional form is only possible due to the high level of skill possessed by lantern craftsmen. The "Akari" series, created by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi using the Gifu Lantern technique, is a masterpiece where traditional craft merged with modern art, captivating many to this day. The "BEANS LIGHT" series is precisely built upon this inherited Gifu Lantern technique, holding value not just as a lighting fixture, but as a "craft piece of light" embodying Japan's living cultural heritage. The craftsman's touch and the weight of history, absent in mass-produced goods, reside in its soft light, making it a unique japanese lamp.

The creator of the "BEANS LIGHT" series is Hayashi Kogei, a Gifu workshop crafting lighting using Mino Washi for over 75 years. More than just a producer, this workshop innovatively integrates the 1300-year history of Mino Washi into modern life. 

The craftsmen at Hayashi Kogei have refined unique processing techniques to maximize the characteristic thinness and strength of Mino Washi. Their products' global acclaim stems from uncompromising quality control. At Hayashi Kogei, all processes, from selecting the Washi, building the lamp shade frame, pasting the Washi, to final assembly and inspection, are consistently conducted in-house. This ensures each product meets high-quality standards, resulting in lighting that fully utilizes the inherent beauty and durability of Mino Washi. 

This contrasts sharply with typical manufacturing processes that divide or outsource steps for efficiency. In the Hayashi Kogei workshop, each craftsman approaches their work with reverence for tradition and pride in their craft, engaging in careful handwork. The warm light born from their hands is a testament to the Japanese craftsman spirit, a deep understanding of materials, and a delicate sensitivity to beauty. Hayashi Kogei is not just a lighting company; they are storytellers, creators illuminating the future with the light of Mino Washi, a precious Japanese cultural heritage. Understanding their story enhances the special feeling the "BEANS LIGHT" brings to your space.

The most striking feature of the "BEANS LIGHT" series is its unique and lovable form. As the name suggests, the soft, rounded curves, like those of a bean, are designed with a modern sensibility that naturally blends into contemporary spaces while utilizing the traditional  Gifu Lantern  technique. This design transcends mere interesting shape. The soft form and the warmth of the  Washi  harmonize beautifully with contemporary interiors and  Japandi style . Furthermore, the light passing through the  Washi  gently spreads along this organic form, creating a pleasant rhythm and warmth throughout the entire space. The  BEANS LIGHT , approximately 22.0 inches (about 56cm) high and 10.2 inches (about 26cm) wide, and the  BEANS LIGHT Small , approximately 14.9 inches (about 38cm) high and 7.0 inches (about 18cm) wide, each possess a modest yet definite presence individually. 

Even when unlit, the "BEANS LIGHT" serves as "functional art" and a "light sculpture," its beautiful form alone decorating the space. This design, a masterful blend of timeless Japanese craftsmanship and modern elegance, gracefully fits into various interior styles, from minimalist modern interiors and warm "Japandi" styles incorporating natural materials, to spaces with traditional elements. It is a truly sophisticated design that adds personality without disrupting overall harmony. The subtle curves and texture born from handwork, absent in mass-produced goods, will bring peace to your mind every time you see them, making it a truly  unique table lamp or floor lamp.

The "BEANS LIGHT" series demonstrates its true value most effectively in spaces where genuine relaxation is desired, such as the living room or bedroom. The light diffused through the  Mino Washi  shade is incredibly soft and gentle, without causing direct eye irritation. This warm light softly envelops the entire room, creating a peaceful atmosphere that helps you forget the day's fatigue. It truly transforms your home into a "sanctuary" away from the busy everyday life. 

Simple yet refined, the design of the "BEANS LIGHT" harmonizes naturally with various interior styles. In a modern space, its organic form acts as an accent, adding warmth to potentially inorganic environments. It is especially compatible with the increasingly popular "Japandi style" (a blend of Japanese minimalism and Nordic design). The warmth of natural Washi and the minimalist yet organic form add coziness and visual comfort to the space, embodying the essence of "wabi sabi interiors" and "Japandi interior." 

Placing a floor lamp for living room in the corner adds depth and creates a calm atmosphere for reading or conversation. Beside a sofa, it serves as gentle indirect lighting, enriching time spent watching movies or listening to music. A table lamp on a bedside table provides soft light for quiet moments before sleep, and placed on a side table or chest, its beautiful form can be enjoyed as a spatial accent. 

By incorporating "BEANS LIGHT" as ambient or accent lighting, your usual space transforms into a more comfortable, richer, and uniquely personal place, reflecting " japanese decor " and " wabi sabi decor ". Its soft light will gently illuminate moments of mindfulness and peaceful time with loved ones in your " japandi living rooms " or " japandi bedrooms ". Even a  small bedside lamp  from this series can bring a touch of tranquility.

To ensure the "BEANS LIGHT" series, made from the delicate material of Mino Washi, remains beautiful for a long time, proper care is essential. This is not just about maintenance but an act of affection that respects the craftsman's handwork and passes on this beautiful light to the future, embodying the principles of "wabi sabi style". 

Daily care is very simple: gently brush away dust from the shade with a soft brush, feather duster, or microfiber cloth. Handle it gently, as forceful rubbing or pulling can damage the Washi paper. Washi is vulnerable to moisture, so avoid using it in humid places and ensure ventilation to prevent mold. Direct sunlight can cause discoloration and deterioration, so avoid placing it where direct sunlight hits, such as near windows. Through daily care, please enjoy the beautiful light emitted by "BEANS LIGHT" year after year. This is a rich way of living that cherishes and values high-quality items, contrasting with a throwaway culture and aligning with "wabi sabi arts" and "wabi sabi interior designs".

The "BEANS LIGHT" series, while preserving the beauty and quality of traditional Japanese craft, is designed with modern, diverse lifestyles in mind, especially for overseas use. This reflects the creators' wish for people worldwide to safely enjoy the warm light of Japanese craftsmanship. 

To ensure confident selection for overseas customers, two plug types are available: US type (e.g., USA, Canada) and EU type (e.g., Europe), ensuring compatibility with your region's power supply. The BEANS LIGHT accommodates E26 (US) / E27 (EU) base bulbs, and the BEANS LIGHT Small accommodates E12 (US) / E14 (EU) base bulbs. 

When purchasing, check the base size compatible with your chosen plug type and prepare a bulb separately. We recommend using low-heat bulbs such as LED bulbs. Please be aware that the product is intended for indoor use only. These Japanese paper lanterns are designed for global homes.

The  Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "BEANS LIGHT"  and  Japanese Paper Table Lamp "BEANS LIGHT" Small  series are more than just objects to illuminate your space. They are crystallizations of Japanese aesthetics, woven from the techniques of Mino Washi passed down  over 1300 years , the tradition of  Gifu Lanterns  with over 300 years of history, and contemporary design. They are quintessential examples of a Japanese lamp.

Welcoming "BEANS LIGHT" into your living room or bedroom is a wonderful way to incorporate Japan's rich traditional culture into your life and elevate your space into a more comfortable and personal "sanctuary,"  aligning with Japandi interior principles.

Why not welcome this light, imbued with Japanese tradition, into your daily space? We hope that the soft light of Mino Washi will  gently illuminate your life and deepen your daily healing.