Bamboo Lamps
The Bamboo Lamp Collection by Millennium Gallery Japan showcases lighting items that captivate with the warmth of natural materials, traditional bamboo craftsmanship spanning over 800 years, and the unique design achieved through finely processed bamboo. These lamps not only illuminate spaces with a pleasant glow but also serve as captivating art pieces.
The elegant curves of natural bamboo and the intricate details born from the artisan’s skill blend seamlessly with diverse interior styles, creating tranquil and relaxed spaces. Experience the serene interplay of bamboo’s natural texture and gentle light, transforming your living room or bedroom into a soothing oasis. Each bamboo lamp is handcrafted by a select group of artisans in Shizuoka, Japan, preserving a tradition of bamboo artistry dating back eight centuries. These lamps perfectly marry sustainability and beauty, making them an ideal choice for modern lifestyles.
Characteristics and Benefits of Japanese Lamps
Traditional Japanese lighting includes "andon" lanterns that diffuse soft light through Japanese paper, various modern washi paper lighting designs, and lighting fixtures that harmonize natural materials like bamboo and cedarwood with light. Both floor and table lamps that embody the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics share these key characteristics:
Simple and refined design
They often feature simple designs without flashy decorations, blending well with Western interiors and minimalist "Japandi" styles.
Use of natural materials
The use of natural materials such as washi paper, bamboo, and wood provides warmth and comfort even when the light is not on.
Soothing harmony of light and shadow
Diffusing light through washi paper or other materials provides a warm glow and creates a calming atmosphere.
Low-level lighting
Positioning the light source near the floor makes the space appear larger and avoids harsh light at eye level, creating a calming environment conducive to sleep.
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.
