A long time ago, I stayed at a tranquil ryokan inn. I noticed an andon lamp in the corner of the room
when a candle was lit in the room at dusk. The softness of the light filtered through the Japanese
paper of the andon lamp was therapeutic. Although paper lanterns represent the image of Japanese
lighting, the andon lamp was a standard light source for the Japanese around the Edo period. As
a light source for everyday life, the andon lamp played a central role among the daily necessities.
We tried to figure out how we could bring the traditional Japanese lamps into modern life. Even
so, nothing is so difficult as replacing long-held traditions with what exists today because of the
traditional rules of format, traditional practices, and fundamental design and materials. In order to
create something new that fits our time without departing from these rules, it involves the need to
start by recreating the old tradition and design while firmly adhering to the original materials. We
thought it was impossible to create a new design that inherits Japanese heritage without satisfying
these conditions.
Tokaki is a generic term for andon lamps and lanterns using canola oil and candles. The name,
tokaki, has Japanese elements and a sentimental sound. Our goal was a modern version of
the andon lamp that achieves an appearance suitable for the name tokaki. There were several
key elements in producing the andon lamp. One way was to use handmade Japanese paper
representing the essence of tradition to deliver a soft light for poetic shadows in the room. The
making of Mino washi ranges from machine-made to handmade throughout the process. Because
we wanted the andon to remain true to the tradition of Mino washi, we selected Japanese paper
crafted by a skilled artisan. We asked Mr. Sawaki from Corsoyard, a specialist, to create Mino washi
for our products. By using the highest grade Nasu Kozo fibers as the raw ingredients of washi and
an enormous amount of time for the multiple processes, he creates beautiful Japanese paper. The
illumination of fire from the canola oil and candle is as small as one-fiftieth of modem lighting. To
recreate flame filtered through washi, the lamp has a dimmed conventional filament lightbulb that
reduces the amount of light. The andon lamp’s filament light is achieved by replicating a faint red
flame as seen just before diminishing, which was an essential element. Although our attempt goes
against the current trend, which calls for rechargeable portable light and lower power consumption,
a light dimmer controls the filament in the lightbulb to adjust the brightness of andon lamp. The
main idea was to create soft, warm light filtered through washi like a flame. By adjusting the light for
the area and purpose of use, we gave priority to the lamp as a reading light or as indirect lighting,
as well as for the entrance, hallway, and bedside. Second, we wanted a wood andon lamp to retain
the modern presence of TIME & STYLE. Of the different types of andon lamps found in a number
of antique shops, we picked wood as the material to use, although andon lamps with iron frames,
such as Nagoya andon, are also fascinating. Solid wood was the best material because it blends
well with modern living space yet offers a natural appearance. Andon lamps originally had a simple
structure without any space for storing a power cable and dimmer. An exposed power cable, socket,
and dimmer do not make a beautiful andon. To solve this challenge, the dimmer was set inside the
approx. 30mm bottom of a two-leg andon. A dimmer is placed inside the stand by shaving solid
Japanese cedar by hand to create the space for the dimmer without any gaps. In addition, 10 by
10 mm cedar sticks support the fire box and the main body from the stand for a lightbulb socket.
Inside the 10 mm wooden sticks is a path for cables, and solid cedar wood covers the cables from
the top to hide all the cables. By following the tradition of andon made by ancient carpenters, the
surface of solid Japanese cedar is carefully planed using traditional methods and no new materials,
hardware, or petroleum glue. All the processes are finished by hand to breathe life into this andon,
which honors its legacy. Although the work of carpenters requires great care whereas modern
manufacturing puts priority on efficiency, our goal was to add greater value. Perhaps, the woodwork
increases in sophistication and beauty over several decades to a century. This delicate, elegant work
of art was created by two skilled carpenters, a father and a son. This andon could not be completed
without them. The framework was thinned to the utmost. The delicate lines of cedar overlapped with
handmade washi help reduce any heaviness in the overall presence. We believe the andon naturally
matches any modern living space. Our hope is that the light from the andon gives off a refreshing,
modern ambience of Japan, instead of a nostalgic impression.