The Story of Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "Harusame Washi"

In the whirlwind of our daily lives, the longing for moments of calm is universal. To transform one's home into a personal "Sanctuary"—a haven of deep peace—is an aspiration deeply cherished in modern society. The atmosphere of this treasured space is significantly shaped by light. Illumination transcends mere functionality; it bestows warmth and depth upon a room, possessing a power to bring stillness to our minds. 

Among lighting choices, floor lamps like this paper floor lamp are widely admired for their capacity to dramatically alter a room's character and cultivate a comforting ambiance, owing to their substantial presence and ease of integration. They can serve as captivating focal points or as sources of soft, indirect light that provide tranquility, fulfilling diverse roles that resonate with our way of life, often complementing a Japandi style interior. Recently, lighting designs rooted in Japan's rich tapestry of traditional techniques, yet harmoniously blended with contemporary sensibilities, have captivated global attention. This is because an increasing number of individuals are discovering value not only in function but in the narratives and the artisan's spirit imbued within each creation. The Japanese Paper Lamp "Harusame Washi" series, a quintessential Japanese lamp, which we introduce today, features delicate light woven by a tradition from Gifu Prefecture spanning over a millennium, masterful artisanship, and the special material known as "Harusame paper." This is a floor lamp precisely designed as a prominent floor lamp for living room or serene bedroom lamps to elevate your space into a truly peaceful "Sanctuary." The "delicate radiance of light," born from authentic handcraft and exceptional materials—an experience unattainable with uniform, mass-produced items—will undoubtedly bring a quiet, deep feeling to your everyday life.

The uniquely delicate and gentle light emanating from the "Harusame Washi" series is born from the confluence of two revered Japanese traditional arts: the refined techniques of "Gifu Chochin" (Gifu Japanese lantern), long cherished in Gifu Prefecture, and "Mino Washi," a paper with an illustrious history of 1300 years. Crucially, it is the beautiful washi paper itself, created through a special papermaking method known as "Harusame-shi" (spring rain paper), that defines this series. Mino Washi is distinguished by its astonishing thinness coupled with remarkable strength, and above all, its exquisite texture that allows light to permeate with a gentle softness. Crafted by skilled artisans who meticulously hand-make each sheet from carefully selected natural raw materials, this washi is delicate yet durable, diffusing light with a soft, even grace. 

The defining characteristic of this Japanese Papaer Floor Lamp "Harusame Washi" series, and the origin of its name, is "Harusame paper." True to its name, which evokes the image of gentle spring rain, Harusame Washi is a unique type of Mino Washi distinguished by its delicate watermark patterns or subtle textures. During the washi-making process, specific techniques are employed to imbue the paper itself with understated, delicate patterns or slight undulations that only reveal their presence when light passes through. Contrary to its visual delicacy, this special washi possesses robust properties. When illuminated as a tall shade in the "Harusame Washi" series, it renders soft, subtle patterns of light throughout the space, creating effects like gentle rain or soft light through clouds. It is a quiet light that evokes a sense of peace, suggesting scenes of natural beauty. 

Designated a National Traditional Craft in 1995, Gifu Chochin, a form of Japanese paper lanterns, are characterized by their intricate handwork using Mino Washi and bamboo, boasting a history of over 300 years. Isamu Noguchi's globally acclaimed "Akari" series was also created based on these Gifu Chochin techniques. The "Harusame Washi" series proudly stands within this rich Gifu heritage. By employing the special material of Harusame paper, it transcends being a mere lighting fixture, possessing profound value as a "luminous craft"—a fusion of material narrative, technique, and natural beauty, echoing the principles of wabi sabi arts. Within it breathes the skill of artisans honed over a millennium and a sensitivity to Japan's natural world. 

Washi Products like the "Harusame Washi" series, which deeply understand the subtle beauty inherent in a specific material and the sense of beauty inspired by nature, and then sublimate these into an art of light, cannot be born without a workshop's profound love for the material and its exceptional craftsmanship. These delicate lights are handcrafted by Hayashi Kogei, a Gifu Prefecture-based workshop that has been creating lighting with Mino Washi for over 75 years. Hayashi Kogei is an atelier that consistently designs, manufactures, and sells innovative and aesthetically refined lighting fixtures and interior products that harmonize naturally with contemporary spaces, including Japandi interior concepts and wabi sabi interiors, using Mino Washi—a precious Japanese cultural heritage—as its primary material. 

The artisans at Hayashi Kogei have inherited and further refined not only the fundamental properties of the 1300-year-old Mino Washi, such as its thinness and strength, but also the intricate techniques for handling washi with delicate watermarks and textures like Harusame paper, and for coaxing the most exquisite light from such materials. To perfectly express the subtle character of Harusame paper and its interplay with light in the tall floor lamp shades of the "Harusame Washi" series, the advanced skills of seasoned artisans who understand the material deeply, along with meticulous, detailed handwork, are indispensable. In particular, the technique of beautifully applying the Harusame paper shade to the lantern structure without compromising its delicate patterns or textures requires years of experience and a profound understanding of the material. Hayashi Kogei, permitting no compromise in product quality, conducts every stage of production in-house—from selecting the washi and producing the Harusame paper, to crafting the shade's frame, pasting the washi, final assembly, and rigorous inspection. This comprehensive quality control system and the capability to manage everything from material to product are precisely why they can maximize the delicate beauty of Harusame paper and realize it as high-quality lighting. 

Hayashi Kogei is a true collective of creators, not merely preserving tradition but continually pursuing the potential of washi as a material, crafting beautiful "products of light" that resonate with modern living. Their endeavors to capture natural beauty in washi, as seen with Harusame paper, demonstrate the inherent potential within Japanese traditional crafts. Knowing their passion will undoubtedly make the light brought into your space by the "Harusame Washi" series resonate even more deeply, and it is a crucial element in understanding the "authentic" value absent in mass-produced items—namely, the artisan's dedication and the material's unique qualities, making it a distinguished piece of Japanese decor.

The design of the "Harusame Washi" paper lamp series is primarily characterized by the delicate texture and watermark patterns inherent in the Harusame paper itself, and the interplay of light and pattern it creates when illuminated. Both models stand at approximately 51.9 inches (132cm), a size that allows them to make a significant statement as a floor lamp or a signature living room lamp. The light filtered through Harusame paper is remarkably gentle on the eyes, bestowing a serene atmosphere upon the entire space. 

When lit, the Harusame paper used for the shade softly transmits light while its delicate watermarks and subtle textures render beautiful "patterns of light" in the space. It is an understated, gentle beauty, like quiet spring rain, or sunlight filtering through thin clouds. This interplay of light and pattern captivates the beholder, bringing a unique expression, depth, and subtle dynamic elements to the room. It is a moment where one feels not just brightness, but the artistry of light itself and a sense of natural aesthetic. 

The series features two distinctive models that allow you to enjoy the delicate light and patterns of Harusame Washi in different designs:

The warm, delicate, and gentle light created by the "Harusame Washi" series filtering through Harusame paper, coupled with its high design quality, makes it ideal for spaces where you wish to truly relax and unwind, such as Japandi living rooms and Japandi bedrooms. Its height allows it to make a significant statement, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the room. 

Placed in a corner, it can serve as soft indirect lighting, adding depth and warmth to the space through the Harusame paper. Positioned along a wall, the delicate patterns of the Harusame paper are beautifully projected by the light, bringing visual comfort and calm. Beside a sofa or armchair, it serves as a pleasant light source for reading or for relaxing moments. The light through Harusame paper is exceptionally gentle on the eyes, making it less tiring for extended reading or work. 

The unique texture of Harusame paper and the delicate patterns revealed by light bring tranquility and elegance to a space, adding visual comfort. It naturally complements a wide range of interior styles—such as Minimalist, Japandi (perfect for a Japandi style living room), and Mid-Century Modern—while still asserting a distinct personality. It particularly shines in interiors that emphasize simple, material-focused aesthetics or in spaces with a calm atmosphere, further highlighting the charm of Harusame paper's delicate light. Placed in an entrance or hallway, it can add an elegant accent of light, gently welcoming visitors and creating a refined ambiance. 

Incorporating "Harusame Washi" as ambient lighting (which defines the overall brightness of a space) or accent lighting means transforming your usual space into a more serene and deeply calming place, embodying the essence of wabi sabi style and reflecting principles of wabi sabi interior designs. The gentle light from Harusame paper will softly illuminate your sanctuary, bringing a quiet beauty to your daily life. It will softly enhance your mindful moments and quiet periods of heightened sensory awareness.

Due to its delicate patterns and material properties, the Harusame Washi shade of the "Harusame Washi" series requires particularly careful maintenance. To preserve the beauty of this Japanese paper lamp, a piece of luminous art, for a long time, respect for traditional materials and cautious handling are paramount. 

If dust accumulates on the washi shade, gently brush it off with a soft brush or feather duster, without applying pressure. Avoid rubbing forcefully or pulling, as this can damage or tear the washi. Since washi is very susceptible to water, never wipe it with a damp cloth or expose it to moisture. In the unlikely event of a liquid spill, quickly and gently dab it with a dry, soft cloth.

Furthermore, washi is vulnerable to UV rays, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration and deterioration. To maintain the beautiful hue of the shade, the delicate patterns of the Harusame paper, and its light transmission qualities, it is strongly recommended to avoid placing the lamp in areas exposed to prolonged direct sunlight, such as near windows. The lantern structure is relatively delicate, so please be careful not to apply strong force or bump it. Particular care should be taken in environments with pets or children, such as placing it in a safe location. 

With proper care and cautious handling, you can enjoy this delicate effect of light and shadow, a fusion of Japanese tradition and natural beauty, in its enduring splendor for many years. In an age of mass consumption, this connects to a way of life that values quality and craftsmanship.

While upholding the exceptional quality of a Japanese traditional craft and the unique beauty of Harusame paper, the "Harusame Washi" series is also designed for ease of use in various modern environments worldwide, allowing people everywhere to enjoy its light. This reflects Hayashi Kogei's strong desire to deliver this delicate lighting effect, created by Japanese craftsmanship, across borders. 

The power source is corded. The light source uses E26 (US) or E27 (EU) base bulbs (two are required). Bulbs are not included with the product, so they must be purchased separately. When purchasing, please ensure you acquire two bulbs with the socket size corresponding to your chosen plug type. To maximize the delicate beauty of Harusame paper, its watermark patterns, and the interplay of light and shadow it creates, the use of LED bulbs with low heat emission is strongly recommended. LED bulbs minimize heat impact on the washi, contributing to the longevity of the shade. The product is designed for indoor use only.

The Japanese Paper Lamp "Harusame Washi" series is a floor lamp imbued with Japanese aesthetics, a fusion of the unique beauty of Mino Washi cultivated over 1300 years (especially the special material of Harusame paper), the Gifu Chochin tradition spanning over 300 years, the masterful craftsmanship of Hayashi Kogei, and a design that draws out the material's utmost expressive power. The soft, gentle radiance emanating from the Harusame Washi shade will bring profound, serene tranquility, perfectly aligning with Japandi style, and a beauty that brings a sense of peace into your daily space. With its unique design and the special interplay of light and shadow created by Harusame paper, the "Harusame Washi" series will enrich your daily life, transforming it into a truly peaceful "Sanctuary."