Although the term "lantern" is often used, there are distinct differences among them, such as Andon (portable lamps), Chochin (collapsible paper lanterns), and Toro (lanterns) in Japanese culture.
Before the advent of electricity and gas, Japanese people used candles and oil lamps as their primary sources of light. Traditional Japanese lighting fixtures, such as "Toro", "Andon", and "Chochin", are often seen as symbols of Japanese culture. Let’s explore the characteristics of these traditional Japanese lights.
Toro (lanterns)(灯籠)
A toro is an outdoor lighting fixture that is believed to have been introduced to Japan from China along with Buddhism. Toro placed at gravesites are called "bokuzentoro" and are thought to guide the deceased to the divine and to serve as a means of offering prayers. Today, toro can often be seen in Japanese temples, parks, and gardens. These lanterns are found widely across countries like Japan, China, the Korean Peninsula, and Vietnam.
Andon(portable lamps) (行灯)
A toro is an outdoor lighting fixture that is believed to have been introduced to Japan from China along with Buddhism. Toro placed at gravesites are called "bokuzentoro" and are thought to guide the deceased to the divine and to serve as a means of offering prayers. Today, toro can often be seen in Japanese temples, parks, and gardens. These lanterns are found widely across countries like Japan, China, the Korean Peninsula, and Vietnam.
Andon(portable lamps) (行灯)
An andon uses a flame as its light source, typically fueled by candles or oil. There are various types, including portable andon, wall-mounted andon, and those placed on the floor. Initially, it was a portable lamp, hence the use of the characters "行灯" ("andon") which imply mobility. As time passed, andon that were stationary became more common, as portable lighting was replaced by chochin.
Suzuki Harunobu"Eight Views of the Parlor (Zashii hakkei)"1761–1771(Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago)
Chochin (collapsible paper lanterns)(提灯)
Kitagawa Utamaro“Three Amusements of Contemporary Beauties" 1795–1805(Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago)
A chochin is a lantern made with a collapsible frame, typically constructed from thin strips of bamboo covered with paper, with a candle placed at the bottom to serve as a light source. In modern times, electric lights have also been used in place of candles. The character "提" (te) means "to carry by hand," indicating that the chochin was designed to be portable, much like a flashlight in modern terms. In Japan, some chōchin are decorated with words like "yakitori" (grilled chicken) or "oden" (Japanese hotpot) and are often associated with izakayas (Japanese pubs). For this reason, these pubs are sometimes referred to as "red lanterns" or "akachochin."
Our Products
We offer a variety of andon to create a Japanese atmosphere in your home. These include two traditional designs featuring "Asanoha" (hemp leaf) and "Seigaiha" (blue sea wave) patterns. Our andon are USB-powered, making them compatible with sockets in many countries.
For products with "Asanoha" or "Seigaiha" patterns, please check the following:Our products are crafted using the traditional woodworking technique known as "Kumiko," which involves assembling wood without using nails.Additionally, in Okawa City, where our company is located, the furniture industry is thriving. We also manufacture Japandi-style lights made with veneer. Custom options, such as the "Twister" or "Jupiter" designs, are available upon request.
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If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.