The Story of Japanese Bamboo Floor Lamp “Tutu & Ajiro-base”

In our modern world, many of us long to step away from the daily clamor and embrace moments of serene tranquility. To transform one's home into a personal "Sanctuary"—a haven of profound peace—is a deeply held aspiration. The atmosphere of this cherished space is significantly shaped by light. Illumination transcends mere functionality; it bestows warmth and depth upon a room, possessing an intrinsic power to usher stillness into our hearts.

Among lighting options, bamboo floor lamps are widely beloved for their ability to significantly transform a room's impression and cultivate a comforting atmosphere, owing to their presence and ease of use. They can serve as captivating focal points or as sources of soft, indirect light that cradle us in tranquility, fulfilling diverse roles that resonate with our way of life. In recent years, lighting designs rooted in Japan's rich traditional techniques, yet fused with contemporary sensibilities, have captivated global attention. This is not only because a Japanese lamp can match modern Japandi style and contemporary modern interiors, but also because a growing number of people are finding value in the stories and the artisan's spirit imbued within each product.

The Japanese Bamboo Floor Lamp "Tutu" series (Small/Middle) and "Ajiro-base" we introduce today are a modern and sophisticated floor lamp series born from the fusion of Japan's proud history of bamboo craft, the delicate "weaving" technique using bamboo strips split to their absolute limit, and the skill of the master artisans who have inherited this legacy. Deeply rooted in an 800-year-old tradition and the principles of wabi sabi arts, the woven structure of the bamboo strips itself creates beautiful patterns of light and shadow, making these lamps true "art pieces of light." They will bring profound tranquility and a texture rich with light into your daily life. A world apart from uniform mass-produced items, the authentic handcraft and the unparalleled art of light and shadow imbued in these lamps will enrich your daily life, making it something truly special. The use of bamboo, a sustainable material, will also appeal to those with an interest in wellness and mindfulness.

The beautiful texture of light and shadow created by the slats of bamboo in the "Tutu" and "Ajiro-base" series are born from a technique known as "Suruga Take Sensuji Zaiku," which boasts an approximately 800-year history in Shizuoka Prefecture. The defining feature of this craft is the technique of "splitting" bamboo into extremely thin strips (less than 1mm thick) and then "weaving" or "assembling" them with high density to create complex, delicate patterns and three-dimensional forms. "Sensuji" literally means "a thousand strips," indicating just how fine and numerous the bamboo strips are that this technique employs.

Suruga Take Sensuji Zaiku has long been used for daily necessities and crafts, and over its long history, the techniques have been refined to create products tailored to modern lifestyles. This advanced technique is a traditional craft that demands patience and mastery, said to require five to ten years of training to learn. It was designated as a National "Traditional Craft" in 1976 and is highly acclaimed both in Japan and internationally as a key element of Japanese design interior.

The "Tutu" series and "Ajiro-base" are lavishly infused with the delicate and painstaking handwork of Suruga Take Sensuji Zaiku. The skill to produce such a fine and supple expression of light from a single, hard piece of bamboo can be called the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship. It is a testament to a deep understanding of bamboo as a natural material and the artisans' spirit to elevate it into an art of light and shadow, fitting the wabi sabi style. The beauty of the "textured shadows" cast on the walls by the light filtering through the gaps in the bamboo strips is an expression made possible only by this intricate weaving technique.

Bamboo crafts like the "Tutu" and "Ajiro-base" series, which demand such delicate and advanced techniques, could not exist without the extraordinary skill of their creators and their passion for preserving tradition. These modern and sophisticated lamps, perfect examples of high-end Japanese homeware, are handcrafted one by one by the master artisans belonging to the Shizuoka Bamboo Craft Cooperative Association.

The Shizuoka Bamboo Craft Cooperative Association is a collective of 12 master artisans based in Shizuoka City, who are dedicated to inheriting the 800-year-old tradition of Suruga Take Sensuji Zaiku and conveying its charm to the modern world. Each artisan in the cooperative possesses the exceptional "Sensuji Zaiku" skills cultivated through many years of training and a profound understanding of bamboo as a material. In their hands, hard bamboo is transformed into incredibly delicate strips less than 1mm thick, which are then spun into charming forms and complex weaves. The process of splitting, bending, weaving, and assembling each strip by hand requires an immense amount of time and concentration. The skill of calculating the "weave" and "composition" to create beautiful textured shadows when illuminated is truly the work of masters who manipulate light, shadow, and texture, aligning with the ethos of mid century modern design.

Their work in creating beautiful lighting that harmonizes with modern spaces while preserving traditional techniques plays a vital role in the history of Japanese bamboo craft. The "Tutu" series and "Ajiro-base" are truly "living art pieces," imbued with the soul and handwork of master artisans who have inherited an 800-year tradition and continue to light the way for it in the present day.

The design of the "Tutu" series and "Ajiro-base" bamboo lamp is primarily characterized by the shades—constructed from the intricate weaving or assembly of bamboo strips less than 1mm thick—the light that filters through them, and the beauty of the textured shadows they cast on walls and into the space. The shades highlight the material's texture, the delicacy of the handwork, and the beautiful interplay of light and shadow, fitting a wide range of aesthetics from contemporary style to mid century style.

The series features three models that allow you to enjoy the texture of light and shadow created by this bamboo weaving in different sizes and designs, perfect for a contemporary house or mid century home:

The Japanese bamboo floor lamp"Tutu" and "Ajiro-base" series brings tranquility and refinement to various spaces through its gentle light, the natural warmth of bamboo, and the textured artistry of their interplay of light and shadow. Placed in the corner of a Japandi living room or a wabi sabi living room, they can add depth and warmth as soft indirect lighting. Placing them near a wall allows you to effectively enjoy the beautiful textured shadow patterns.

The natural warmth of bamboo adds a sense of calm and visual comfort to a space. These patterns, in their repetitive beauty, foster a static sense of calm, complementing moments of mindfulness in a meditation room or a zen room. They blend naturally with a wide range of interiors, including mid-century modern, Japanese-style rooms, Scandinavian style, and the popular Japandi style. The principles of Japandi interior design and mid century interior design are beautifully reflected in these pieces.

The Tutu Small can be placed on various surfaces, while the Tutu Middle and Ajiro-base have a substantial presence as floor lamps. The Ajiro-base, in particular, will become a sophisticated focal point of any space, from a Japandi style living room to a serene Japanese bedroom. The unique atmosphere is perfect for spaces where you want to relax mind and body, such as a zen themed bedroom. These lamps are soul-satisfying art pieces that transform your space into a special place, making them exceptional Japanese home accessories.

The "Tutu" series and "Ajiro-base" are made from natural materials using the delicate 800-year-old traditional technique of Suruga Take Sensuji Zaiku. To preserve the beautiful texture of these materials and enjoy the gentle light emitted by this "art piece of light," careful maintenance is essential. This is an act of respect for the 800-year tradition and its artisans.

Gently brush away any dust from the gaps in the bamboo strips with a soft brush or a dry, soft cloth. The intricate weaving is delicate, so take great care not to apply force. As bamboo is a natural material, extreme dryness or humidity can cause damage. It is advisable to avoid placing the lamps in areas exposed to direct sunlight or in the direct path of an air conditioner. With proper care, you can enjoy the beautiful light and design of your Japanese lamp for many years.

The "Tutu" and "Ajiro-base" floor lamps are art pieces that fuse Japan's 800-year-old bamboo craft, the mastery of the artisans, the beauty of bamboo, and the art of light and shadow. They are also designed for ease of use in various contemporary modern homes worldwide.

Important: The rated voltage for this lamp series is 100V. For use overseas, you must use an appropriate step-down transformer rated for your region's voltage. A plug adapter will also be required if the outlet shape is different. Each product is meticulously handcrafted and requires no assembly.

The Japanese Bamboo Floor Lamp "Tutu" series and "Ajiro-base" are a modern and sophisticated floor lamp series born from the fusion of the 800-year history of Shizuoka bamboo craft, the mastery of weaving bamboo strips, and the passion of the skilled artisans who carry this legacy into the present day. The interplay of light and shadow created by the bamboo strips offers new discoveries with every glance. We invite you to welcome the "Tutu" series or "Ajiro-base" into your life. The modern art of light and shadow, lit by an 800-year-old bamboo craft, will enrich your daily life, transforming your Japanese interior into a more soul-satisfying "Sanctuary."