The Story of Japanese Paper Table Lamp "PAPERSON"

Lighting is an essential element for a comfortable life, bringing warmth and depth to our daily living spaces and creating moments of fulfilling calm. Among them, a table lamp is an ideal item for delivering soft, focused light to a limited area, adding an intimate atmosphere or a sophisticated accent to a space.

In recent years, lighting designs rooted in Japan's rich traditional techniques, yet fused with contemporary sensibilities, have garnered global attention. This is because an increasing number of people are finding value not just in functionality, but in the stories and the artisan's spirit imbued within the products. The Japanese Paper Table Lamp "PAPERSON" series we introduce today is a table paper lamp born from the exquisite fusion of a tradition from Gifu Prefecture spanning over a thousand years, masterful artisanship, and the unique material known as "paper with mulberry bark fragments." This is a japanese lamp precisely designed to elevate your space into a soul-satisfying "sanctuary." The natural expression of the material and the unique interplay of light and shadow it creates—unattainable with common mass-produced items—will bring a quiet, deep tranquility and a joy of discovery to your everyday life, fitting perfectly in a contemporary house or mid-century home.

The unique warmth and richly expressive light of the Japanese Paper Table Lamp "PAPERSON" series are born from two Japanese traditional arts: the intricate techniques of "Gifu Chochin" (japanese lanterns), passed down through generations in Gifu Prefecture, and "Mino Washi," a paper with a long history of 1300 years, specifically a special material known as "Kozokasu-irigami" (paper with mulberry bark fragments). Mino Washi is characterized by its surprising thinness combined with remarkable durability, and above all, its beautiful texture that allows light to permeate softly. Crafted by skilled artisans who meticulously hand-make each sheet from carefully selected natural materials, this washi is delicate yet resilient, diffusing light gently and evenly.

The "Kozokasu-irigami" used especially in this "PAPERSON" series is a unique presence even within Mino Washi. It is made by intentionally mixing in fragments and "kasu" (scraps) of the bark—which are normally removed in the papermaking process—along with the fibers of the Kozo (mulberry) plant, a primary raw material for washi. This creates a unique mottled pattern and a naturally uneven texture on the washi's surface. These mulberry scraps and bark fragments come to life when they catch the light, and when the lamp is turned on, their distinctive patterns and shadows are projected into the space. This reflects the raw beauty of the material itself and an aesthetic of coexisting with nature, echoing the principles of wabi sabi arts and the Japanese spirit of "mottainai" (wasting nothing).

Designated a National Traditional Craft in 1995, Gifu Chochin are characterized by their delicate handwork using Mino Washi and bamboo, boasting a history of over 300 years. The world-renowned "Akari" series by Isamu Noguchi, often considered the quintessential noguchi lamps or akari lamp, was also based on this Gifu Chochin technique for making japanese paper lanterns. The "PAPERSON" series also stands firmly on this rich lineage of Gifu tradition. By using the special material of paper with mulberry bark, it transcends being a mere lighting fixture, possessing high value as a "luminous craft"—a fusion of material narrative, technique, and natural beauty. Within it breathes the skill of artisans honed over a millennium, a deep respect for materials, and the Japanese view of nature.

Products like the "PAPERSON" series, which deeply understand the unique character and story of a specific material and sublimate it into an art of light, cannot be born without a workshop's profound affection for the material and its exceptional craftsmanship. Handling these expressive objects of light is Hayashi Kogei, a workshop based in Gifu Prefecture 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 highly aesthetic lighting fixtures and interior products, such as this japanese paper lamp, that naturally harmonize with contemporary modern homes, 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 delicate processing techniques for handling uniquely textured washi like "Kozokasu-irigami" and for drawing out the best light from it. To express the rich texture of this paper and its interplay with light in the unique forms of the "PAPERSON" series, the advanced skills of seasoned artisans who listen to the "voice" of the material, along with meticulous, detailed handwork, are indispensable. Permitting no compromise in product quality, Hayashi Kogei conducts every stage of production in-house—from selecting the washi to crafting the shade's frame, pasting the washi, final assembly, and rigorous inspection. This thorough quality control system is precisely why they can create the "PAPERSON" series, maximizing the original beauty of the paper and the unique light it produces.

Hayashi Kogei is a true collective of creators, not merely preserving tradition but continually pursuing the immeasurable potential of washi as a material to create beautiful "products of light" that resonate with modern living. Knowing their story will make the light "PAPERSON" brings to your space resonate even more deeply, and it is a crucial element in understanding the "authentic" value absent in mass-produced items—namely, the artisan's soul and the material's story, making it cherished japanese homeware.

The design of the Japanese Paper Table Lamp "PAPERSON" series is characterized by the harmony between the rich expression of the "Kozokasu-irigami" and unique forms that quietly blend into modern spaces. The washi, with its embedded mulberry bark fragments, creates unpredictable, beautiful mottled patterns and a natural, uneven texture that cannot be achieved with uniform materials, making it the most important element of the design. The texture of the washi and mulberry can be felt by touch. The light passing through the paper lamps reacts to each fiber and bark fragment, spreading shadows that change moment by moment and a warm, pleasant glow into the space. It is a vibrant light, like art created by nature itself.

The series includes three distinctive design models for enjoying the expression of this special paper from various angles. Each model is about 8.6 inches (22cm) high, a versatile size for a table lamp.

The warm light, unique shadows, and distinctive design of the "PAPERSON" series bring tranquility and sophistication to various spaces, making it ideal for creating your own fulfilling "sanctuary." It is especially suited for spaces where you want to relax your mind and body and savor the beauty of the materials.

Placed on a living room side table, a bedside table in a Japanese bedroom, a study desk, or in an entryway, it adds warmth and depth as soft, indirect lighting. The light filtered through the washi is gentle on the eyes, perfect for relaxation or before-sleep lighting, making it a great choice for zen themed bedroom ideas. The natural texture and the one-of-a-kind shadows create a sense of peace, warmth, and visual comfort. The interplay of light and shadow offers new discoveries each time you look, providing a quiet sense of wonder.

The three unique designs naturally blend into a wide range of interiors, from mid-century modern and Japanese-style rooms to the popular Japandi style which merges Japanese aesthetics with Nordic functionality, while still asserting a distinct personality. It fits well in a Japandi living room or a Japandi style bedroom. Thanks to its high design quality, it serves as a charming art piece even when unlit. Incorporating "PAPERSON" as ambient or accent lighting transforms your usual space into a calmer, more fulfilling place where you can feel the story of the materials. It gently enhances your mindful moments in a meditation room or quiet periods of heightened sensory awareness in a zen room.

To maintain the delicate and unique texture of the "Kozokasu-irigami" shade of the "PAPERSON" series and enjoy its distinctive light for a long time, careful maintenance is required. This is not just about maintaining the product but is also an act of respect for Japan's precious traditional materials, the artisan's handwork, and the beauty of nature.

Basic daily care involves gently removing any dust from the shade. Use a soft brush, feather duster, or an anti-static microfiber cloth to lightly brush the surface without applying pressure. As 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, following the texture.

Furthermore, washi is vulnerable to UV rays, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration and deterioration. To maintain the beautiful hue and texture of the shade, it is strongly recommended to avoid placing the lamp in areas exposed to prolonged direct sunlight, such as near a window. The lantern structure is relatively delicate, so please be careful not to apply strong force or bump it.

With proper care and cautious handling, you can enjoy this art of light, a fusion of Japanese tradition and material beauty, in its enduring splendor for many years.

The Japanese Paper Table Lamp "PAPERSON" series, while upholding the exceptional quality of a Japanese traditional craft, is also designed for ease of use in various modern environments worldwide. This reflects Hayashi Kogei's strong desire to deliver this special light, created by Japanese craftsmanship, across borders.

The light source uses one E12 (US) or E14 (EU) base bulb (not included). To best bring out the beautiful expression of the "Kozokasu-irigami," the use of low-heat LED bulbs is recommended. The product is designed as an indoor lighting fixture. It comes fully assembled.

The Japanese Paper Table Lamp "PAPERSON" series is a table lamp imbued with Japanese interior aesthetics, fusing the unique beauty of "Kozokasu-irigami" washi, the Gifu Chochin tradition, the masterful craftsmanship of Hayashi Kogei, and a unique design. The rich texture of the washi and the warm light filtering through it will bring serene tranquility and a beauty that speaks for itself into your space. We invite you to welcome "PAPERSON," the art of light that "Kozokasu-irigami" speaks, into your life.