
the streets of Mino in Gifu Prefecture | photo courtesy tabiiro
When designers Koushi Ikegami and Kinue Oneda visited Mino (Gifu prefecture) they were struck by the numerous, warm glows of paper lanterns that lined the evening streets. The town, which is the birthplace of the chochin (paper lantern), is steeped in 1300 years of washi paper artistry. And it served as the inspiration behind Washi Torch, the latest creation by the two designers who form the Yuruliku studio.
Washi Torch is an easy-to-install pendant lamp shaped like a flashlight. It’s made with traditional washi paper and produced by artisans in the Mino region of Gifu, Japan. It’s cute, recognizable design makes for the perfect combination of craft + contemporary.
Here’s a look behind the scenes into how each Washi Torch is hand-crafted by artisans: