TSUTO for SOUTH BRIDGE “Basho Paper Shade Lamp”

I would like to introduce the collaboration item "Basho Paper Shade Lamp" by TSUTO and SOUTH BRIDGE.

table lamp
Size: φ22cm H37cm
Price: 39,600yen (with tax)

floor lamp
Size: φ38cm H134cm
Price: 99,000yen (with tax)

Materials
Lamp Shade: Bashoshi ( @tsu____to )
Flame: Stainless ( @grau_daikou )

Made in Okinawa

<concept>

The impetus for creating a basho paper shade lamp was when I met Mr. Saka from TSUTO in October 2021.

All of the products made of Basho paper that were exhibited at the product sales were attractive and I became a fan in an instant. To bring home a folding fan.

Basho paper has a fibrous texture and a gentle brown color, and is characterized by the rustic generosity unique to Okinawa. When I thought about what to make to make the most of that feature, I immediately came up with the idea of ​​lighting.

The "Cocoon Lamp" made in the 1960s, which I was collecting as a personal boom at the time, had a characteristic expression similar to that of basho paper. rice field.

It was just as I expected. When exposed to light, the banana fiber stood out and had a beautiful expression. There was no problem with translucency as lighting.

The photo is a "Cocoon Lamp" made in the 1960s.

"Cocoon Lamp" reference video

This is Isamu Noguchi's "akari" made of Japanese paper.
Since it is Japanese paper, the fibers are finer and cleaner compared to Basho paper.

Then the lighting making with TSUTO started.

<Production>

The base design is the mid-century "Cocoon Lamp"

Instead of simply imitating it, we aim to make things that are easier to use and that are carefully crafted by craftsmen who are particular about the handiwork of craftsmen that cannot be mass-produced. And by making all of them by craftsmen in Okinawa Prefecture, I thought it would be meaningful to make it in Okinawa, as well as Basho paper.

The framework and legs of the shade that had difficulty.

It's easy to make with mass-produced parts on the market, but I searched for the ideal strength and craftsmanship, and I arrived at "Taiko Kogyo", which has been processing stainless steel for over 50 years in Haebaru.

Until I met him, I was worried about what to do if he was a scary person with a craftsmanship, but I was relieved that he was a very kind person. They kindly accepted me, even though I didn't have a decent blueprint.

The father-daughter duo are also wonderful, and made the frame and legs of the ideal shade out of stainless steel.

Everything from design to stainless steel processing to welding is done by hand. Amazing technology and perfection.

The compatibility with the banana paper was perfect, and I was almost satisfied at this point.

Lastly, the key to this lighting is the “Basho paper”

Basho paper
It is a large perennial plant of the Musaceae family, and the stem part is used as the raw material.
Originating in the 18th century, this paper is unique to Okinawa and takes a lot of time to complete.
It has a fibrous paper texture and a gentle brown color, and is characterized by the rustic generosity unique to Okinawa.

Basho paper is one of Ryukyu paper.

Ryukyu paper is a paper unique to Okinawa that has been made in Okinawa (Ryukyu) for about 300 years. It was handed down to the islands in the Ryukyu Kingdom, centering on the royal capital of Shuri.
Due to climate and geographical factors, Ryukyu paper can be said to be a unique material in the world.

If you want to know more about Ryukyu paper, please see below.

TSUTO website