Japanese Lantern (Andon) / Edo Kumiko / No.001

This andon (lamp with a paper shade) is made using the Edo Kumiko technique.
The upper section has a diamond shape with a lucky pattern called "turtle shell" on its four sides. The lower section is made of beautifully grained Yakusugi cedar. The works produced by the "hands" of craftsmen who insist on handmade products are full of the charm of wood, such as the pure aroma, the smooth surface of wood, and the patterns created by fine wood chips. We hope you will enjoy Japanese lights.

Width：20cm
Depth：20cm
Height：37cm
Weight：2,500g

Yakushima cedar
Kiso hinoki
Jindai cedar

TATEMATSU

"I really enjoy thinking and create something that combines tradition and practicality"

While my work does not allow even a 0.1mm error to make perfect crafting, I always think the ideas need to have flexibility. It is definitely true that I need to produce within the rules, but I also want to create a series of products that answer the needs of today with free thinking.

ARTISAN STORY

Takahiro Tanaka / Tatematsu
In 1982, he became the second generation of Edo wood latticework craftsmen at Tatematsu, a company established in Tokyo by his father, a master craftsman. He is a qualified first-class architect and used to work for an urban planning consultant company. He is now applying his knowledge as an architect to the development of new, unprecedented products.

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Received the Skill Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Craft Exhibition
・Winner of the Board of Education Award at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Crafts Exhibition
・Received the Board of Education Award at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Craft Exhibition
・He has received many other awards for their work.

EDO KUMIKO / EDO WOOD LATTICEWORK

About 400 years ago / 1600s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Kumiko is the art of assembling thin wooden pieces into lattices and geometric patterns without nails. It became highly refined in Edo-period shoin architecture, transoms and sliding screens, where joiners developed motifs such as asa-no-ha hemp leaves and other intricate geometric forms.

In Japan, kumiko is known for creating delicate shadow and light within traditional interiors. Today it has moved beyond shoji screens into lighting, partitions, furniture and hotel walls, attracting new attention as pure geometric design made entirely from wood.

The astonishing part is that many patterns need almost no nails or adhesive. Grooves and angles cut to fractions of a millimeter lock tiny pieces together by pressure. In a single hemp-leaf motif, numerous components support one another, so decoration and structure become the same thing.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.