Carry, light, and relax. Yame lanterns are a traditional craft from Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture, that boasts a history of around 200 years. We've made these lanterns easy to carry and take anywhere, such as the living room or bedroom, so that you can enjoy their soft, gentle light as interior décor that adds warmth to your daily life. - Torchin

This month, o-Bon chōchin (paper lantern) artisans Shiraki Kougei announced the release of Torchin, a series of portable, contemporary lamps crafted under the consulting and production advice of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten and in collaboration with design unit Tent. Based in Fukuoka Prefecture, Shiraki Kougei specializes in the regional Yame style of o-Bon chōchin — washi paper-covered lanterns with hibukuro (firebox) frames of spiraled split-bamboo strips or wire. The new Torchin series translates five simple geometric shapes — circle, oblong, oval, square and bell — into three-dimensional firebox forms that echo Yame ellipsoids. A simple cylindrical beechwood stand transforms each Torchin into a table lamp that can also be held like a torch. Nothing interrupts Tent’s contemporary design of clean lines. The shade’s translucent washi is left white, a touch-sensitive round button is positioned to neatly cover the firebox opening at the top and, as a rechargeable lamp with a running time of up to 35 hours on its dimmest setting, no unsightly cable is needed when in use. - The Japan Times

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