The Story of Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "Momi Washi”

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, many yearn for moments of tranquility and peace. Transforming one's home into a personal "Sanctuary," a haven of solace, is a deeply cherished aspiration. The ambiance of this precious space is profoundly shaped by light. Illumination does more than merely light up a place; it bestows warmth and depth upon a room, possessing the power to bring serenity to our hearts.

Among various lighting options, floor lamps like this paper floor lamp 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 focal points or provide soft, indirect lighting that soothes the soul, fulfilling diverse roles that seamlessly integrate into our lives, aligning with Japandi style principles. In recent years, lighting designs rooted in Japan's abundant 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 Lamp "Momi Washi" series we introduce today is a floor 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 "hand-crumpled washi." It is precisely crafted to elevate your space into a soul-satisfying "Sanctuary."

The distinctive warmth and richly nuanced light cast by the Japanese lamp "Momi Washi" series are born from two quintessential Japanese traditional arts: the intricate techniques of "Gifu Chochin" (Gifu japanese lantern), passed down through generations in Gifu Prefecture, and "Mino Washi," a paper with a venerable history of 1300 years. Within this, a special material called "Temomi Washi" (hand-crumpled washi) plays a pivotal role. 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 defining feature of this "Momi Washi" series, and the origin of its name, is "Temomi Washi." This hand-crumpled washi is created when traditional Mino Washi, once made and dried (or in a semi-dry state), undergoes a unique process where skilled artisans "carefully crumple it by hand." This manual kneading carves complex and rich "wrinkles" and "undulations" onto the washi's surface, born from chance, making no two pieces identical. This handcrafting process not only enhances the paper's strength by intricately tangling its fibers but, more importantly, it imparts "traces of handwork" and a "vibrant expression" to the washi. When illuminated, these hand-formed wrinkles and textures cause the light to reflect diffusely in multiple directions, creating deep, rich gradations and complex, beautiful shadow patterns unattainable with plain washi. It is not merely a material but an art form born from the artisan's hand, a living texture of light whose expression changes moment by moment through the interplay of light and shadow.

Designated a National Traditional Craft in 1995, Gifu Chochin (japanese paper lanterns) are distinguished by their delicate handwork using Mino Washi and bamboo, boasting a history of over 300 years. Isamu Noguchi's world-renowned "Akari" series was also created based on this Gifu Chochin technique. The "Momi Washi" series, too, stands firmly upon this rich lineage of Gifu tradition. By specifically employing hand-crumpled washi, it transcends being a mere lighting fixture, possessing high value as a "luminous craft"—a fusion of material narrative, technique, and the artisan's touch, embodying wabi sabi arts. Within it breathes the skill of artisans honed over a millennium, a profound respect for materials, and a dedication to handcraft.

Products like the "Momi Washi" series, which deeply understand the traces of handwork and the rich expression inherent in a specific material and sublimate them into an art of light, cannot be born without a workshop's profound affection for that 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 that naturally harmonize with contemporary spaces, including Japandi interior schemes and wabi sabi interiors, using Mino Washi—a vital 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 unique materials like hand-crumpled washi—which are shaped by the artisan's "hand"—and for drawing out the most beautiful light from them. To perfectly express the rich texture of Momi Washi and its interplay with light in each unique form within the "Momi Washi" series, the advanced skills of seasoned artisans who listen to the "voice" of the material, along with meticulous, detailed handwork, are indispensable. In particular, the technique of beautifully applying the Momi Washi shade to the lantern structure without compromising its rich texture requires years of experience and a deep 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 Momi Washi, to crafting the shade's frame, pasting the washi, final assembly, and rigorous inspection. This thorough quality control system and the capability to manage everything from material to product are precisely why they can maximize the rich expression of Momi Washi and realize it as high-quality lighting.

Hayashi Kogei is a true collective of creators, not merely preserving tradition but continually pursuing the immeasurable potential of washi as a material, creating beautiful "products of light" that resonate with modern living. Knowing their passion will make the light brought into your space by the "Momi Washi" series resonate even more deeply and profoundly with your heart, 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 a unique piece of japanese decor.

The design of the "Momi Washi" paper lamp series is primarily characterized by the unique texture of hand-crumpled washi and the beauty of the shadows it creates when illuminated. The entire shade is etched with wrinkles and undulations, meticulously crumpled by the artisan's hand, and these "traces of handwork" themselves constitute the design. This hand-crumpled texture diffusely reflects light in multiple directions when lit, projecting deep, rich gradations and intricate, beautiful shadow patterns into the space—effects unattainable with plain washi. Depending on the angle of light and the viewing position, the expression of the shadows changes from moment to moment, presenting an interplay of light that seems almost alive. It is a moment where one feels not just brightness, but the artistry of light itself and the warmth of handcraft.

The series features two distinctive design models that allow you to enjoy the rich expression of this Momi Washi from various perspectives. Both models stand at approximately 132cm (around 52 inches), a size that makes a significant statement as a floor lamp for living room or as a striking living room lamp.

The warm, richly shaded light created by the Japanese floor lamp "Momi Washi"  series filtering through hand-crumpled washi, 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 and the distinct character of each design make a significant statement, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the room.

Placed in a corner, the rich, shadowy light from the Momi Washi will cast beautiful patterns on the walls, adding depth and warmth to the space as soft indirect lighting. Positioned beside a sofa or armchair, it serves as a comfortable light source for reading or for relaxing moments. The unique texture of Momi Washi and the dynamic shadows it produces when illuminated help to reduce visual noise, bringing depth and calmness to a space, making it suitable for quiet, introspective times.

The texture of Momi Washi and the individuality of each design allow these lamps to naturally blend into a wide range of interior styles—such as Minimalist, Japandi (fitting perfectly in a japandi style living room), and Mid-Century Modern—while still asserting a distinct personality. They particularly shine in interiors that emphasize material textures or in spaces that are simple yet thoughtfully curated, further highlighting the warmth of handcraft and the allure of the rich shadows produced by light. By incorporating "Momi Washi" as ambient or accent lighting, your usual space transforms into a more serene place reflecting wabi sabi style, where you can feel the story of the materials, aligning with principles of wabi sabi interior designs, a truly soul-satisfying environment. It gently enhances your mindful moments and quiet periods of heightened sensory awareness.

The hand-crumpled washi shade of the "Momi Washi" series is defined by its unique texture and the wrinkles and undulations created by handwork. To preserve the rich expression of this "luminous art object" in its beautiful state and enjoy its distinctive light for a long time, careful maintenance is essential. This is not merely about maintaining the product but is also an act of respect for Japan's precious traditional materials used in this paper lamp, the special technique of hand-crumpling by artisans, and the art of light imbued with this handwork.

Basic daily care involves gently removing any dust that has settled on the shade. Using a soft brush or feather duster, lightly brush along the hand-formed wrinkles and undulations, or along the grain of the material, without applying pressure. Avoid rubbing forcefully, pulling, or using a stiff brush, as this can damage the washi or flatten the hand-crumpled wrinkles. Since washi is extremely vulnerable to water, never wipe it with a damp cloth or expose it to moisture. In the unlikely event that liquid is spilled on it, quickly and gently dab it with a dry, soft cloth, following the texture.

Furthermore, washi is susceptible to UV rays, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration and deterioration. To maintain the beautiful hue and texture of the shade and to enjoy the unique light transmission and shadow play of Momi Washi for years to come, it is strongly recommended to avoid placing the lamp in areas subject 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 art of light, a fusion of Japanese tradition and handcraft embodied in your Japanese paper lamp, in its enduring beauty for many years.

While upholding the exceptional quality of a Japanese traditional craft and the beauty of Momi Washi—a material imbued with the artisan's touch—the "Momi 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 rich art of light, created by Japanese craftsmanship, across borders.

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 rich expression of the Momi Washi 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 "Momi 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 Momi Washi, carefully hand-crumpled by artisans), 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 rich texture of Momi Washi and the interplay of light and shadow woven by light filtering through it will bring profound, serene tranquility consistent with Japandi style and a beauty that speaks to the heart into your daily space. We invite you to welcome the "Momi Washi" series—the art of light etched by hand-crumpled washi—into your life.