Origami Lamps
The Origami Lamp Collection by Millennium Gallery Japan reimagines the art of origami—the traditional Japanese technique of folding a single sheet of paper into intricate shapes—into a stunning series of lighting items. These uniquely designed lamps merge the delicate folds of origami with the warm glow of washi paper, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere in any space.
Origami lamps are gaining popularity in Japan as a distinctive lighting style. Their artistic designs make them more than just light sources; they serve as accent pieces and works of art. The soft, diffused light emitted through washi paper brings a calm ambiance to living rooms and bedrooms while harmonizing effortlessly with various interior styles. Elevate your daily spaces with the timeless beauty of Japanese tradition and modern sophistication through our Origami Lamps.
Characteristics and Benefits of Japanese Lamps
Traditional Japanese lighting includes andon, which diffuses soft light through washi paper; various modern washi lighting designs; and lighting fixtures that harmonize natural materials like bamboo and cedar with light. Lamps embodying traditional Japanese aesthetics have the following main characteristics:
Simple and refined design
Many lamps, whether floor lamps, table lamps, or bedside lamps, feature simple designs without flashy decorations, blending well with Western-style interiors and the minimalist "Japandi" style. Paper lamps, particularly those made with durable washi paper, are a very popular lamp style, characterized by their simple beauty and soft form.
Use of natural materials such as washi paper
The use of natural materials such as washi paper, bamboo, and wood for lampshades and frames provides warmth and tranquility even when the light is not on. The use of traditional techniques like woodworking and washi papermaking ensures high quality, and the unique designs make them impressive as interior pieces.
Pleasant harmony of light and shadow
Diffusing the lamp's light through materials like washi paper provides a warm glow and creates a calming atmosphere. Warm light is achieved by using warm-colored bulbs and shades made of washi paper or other materials. Lamps with unique frames, such as bamboo lamps, allow for the enjoyment of light and shadow play.
Low-level lighting
Japanese floor lamps are often not tall, and by positioning the light source close to the floor, they can make a space appear larger, avoid harsh light at eye level, and create a calming environment conducive to sleep. Whether placed in the living room or bedroom, Japanese floor lamps contribute to creating a relaxing space. On the other hand, floor lamps that strongly illuminate the entire room are rare, and their charm lies in their ability to create indirect lighting and a restful atmosphere.
Types of Japanese Lamps
Lighting crafted using traditional Japanese techniques and materials has gained high acclaim both domestically and internationally in recent years. Particularly exemplified by the world-famous Akari lamp series by Isamu Noguchi, the use of natural materials like washi paper, bamboo, and wood creates soft light and beautiful shadows, bringing tranquility and warmth to a space. Here, we introduce various types of Japanese lamps, their materials, unique characteristics, and recommended usage scenarios.
Made using Japanese raw materials and traditional Japanese paper with over 1,000 years of history, these lamps are crafted from plant fibers such as kozo, mitsumata, and gampi. Despite being made of paper, they are remarkably durable and characterized by their soft, curved forms. The Akari series by Isamu Noguchi is a famous example.
Made from bamboo, a material gaining global attention for its rapid growth and sustainability, these lamps are known for traditional Japanese bamboo crafts from Oita Prefecture in Kyushu and Shizuoka Prefecture in Kanto. They feature intricately split and processed bamboo used for lamp frames and shades, creating unique shadows.
Kumiko floor and table lamps utilize kumiko zaiku, a 1,400-year-old decorative technique where hundreds of tiny wooden pieces, such as Akita cedar, are meticulously processed and assembled without nails in 1mm increments. The unique geometric patterns create beautiful and captivating light art. Their limited production and rarity are also part of their appeal.
Inspired by origami, the traditional Japanese art of folding paper into various animals and shapes, origami lamps feature a unique design where the lampshade is formed by folding paper, made possible by the precision and skill of Kyoto artisans. Table and bedside lamps with folded paper flowers that illuminate like blossoming lights are a popular series.
