Radiance Of Nature With Urushi Lighting

Radiance Of Nature With Urushi Lighting

Radiance of Nature with Urushi Lighting is an innovative lighting design that masterfully combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary design principles, creating an immersive luminous experience that celebrates the interplay between light and shadow. This sophisticated lighting installation consists of 16 cylindrical forms crafted from bamboo and finished with Urushi lacquer, a sustainable natural material harvested from tree sap in Japan. The design, which earned a Silver A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category, represents a significant advancement in sustainable lighting design while preserving traditional craftsmanship. Available in four distinct heights ranging from 60 to 167 centimeters, each piece features carefully hand-applied Urushi lacquer by skilled artisans, creating a unique surface that reflects light in a manner reminiscent of natural phenomena. The design philosophy draws profound inspiration from Japanese aesthetic principles, particularly the cultural appreciation of shadows as elements of beauty, as articulated in Junichiro Tanizaki's literary work. The installation's tree-like forms create a microcosmic forest environment, where the interplay of light and shadow produces an enchanting atmosphere that connects users with nature. This design not only addresses contemporary environmental concerns through its use of biodegradable materials and sustainable production methods but also serves as a vital bridge between traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities, offering a compelling solution to the decline of traditional Urushi craftwork while demonstrating how ancient techniques can be reimagined for contemporary spaces.

sustainable lighting design, Japanese craftsmanship, Urushi lacquer, natural materials, shadow aesthetics, biodegradable design

— Adam Dawson