KOTORI Pendant Light・High Grade series (HG)
Inspired by the traditional ‘Wagasa' umbrella, the Kotori HG Pendant Light is characterized by a subtle bamboo framework and soft light filtered through handmade Japanese paper. Its intricate opening and closing mechanism, utilizing the craftsmanship of Kyoto umbrella making, offers the delightful surprise of an instant expansion and makes sure the Kotori lamp shade can be folded compactly. The KOTORI Pendant Light is a design of timeless beauty, suitable for Japanese and modern interiors.
With a diameter of 388 mm and a shade height of 205 mm, this sleek, long and narrow pendant exudes contemporary elegance and complements various settings. Multiple Kotori pendants can also be arranged in a row for a bar counter or a large dining table. Furthermore, you might consider placing several units at varying heights along a spiral staircase, in an atrium, or within smaller halls to achieve a chandelier-like effect.
Features of the KOTORI-HG Pendant
The high-grade series (HG) is a high-class model that uses carefully selected bamboo from Kyoto and the finest handmade Japanese paper.
The brightness of the lighting is slightly subdued to create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, allowing you to experience the aesthetic sense of Japan known as "appreciating shadows".
Using bamboo from Arashiyama, Kyoto, a craftsman sews each bamboo bone with a cotton thread to create a skeletal structure that can be opened and closed. A total of 80 bamboo bones, including 40 main bones and 40 secondary bones, are made from a single bamboo tree.
Beautiful handmade traditional washi paper is attached with skillful technique to the mold adhering to the shape when it is open. After drying overnight, it is removed from the mold, neatly folded, and completed like an umbrella. Since the lampshade is detachable from the lamp, it can be replaced according to the season and interior design.
The pendant light is made from all-natural materials, so each lampshade has a unique shape. The pendant light can be used in Japanese-style or contemporary rooms, in your house or even commercial spaces.
We believe that the traditional concept of lampshades appearing darker in brightness than regular lampshades may take some getting used to, but we are confident that once you become accustomed to it, you will realize that a certain level of darkness at night provides a more natural and tranquil ambiance.
Of course, if brightness is needed, please use several lamps together or use in conjunction with downlights.
HIYOSHIYA
Hiyoshiya, a Kyo-wagasa (Kyoto umbrella) manufacturer that has been in operation for 160 years, is currently the only Kyo-wagasa producer in Kyoto. We have preserved and protected the techniques and skills of Wagasa craftsmanship for over five generations. Kyo-wagasa continues to be handcrafted by artisans, a process that takes approximately two to three weeks.
Wagasa was first introduced from China during the Nara period and has a history of over 1,000 years. Especially during the Edo period, Wagasa was used as an everyday item and part of people's lifestyle, with everyone carrying one whenever it rained.
The Wagasa is also called "Bangasa," known as an umbrella for daily use and an indispensable part of Japanese life. (Ban means standard, indicating that the Bangasa was used in daily life).
With the rapid change of time from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei to the current Reiwa period, the lifestyle has also undergone transformation. During the Showa period, modernization brought about a drastic change, turning the wagasa from an everyday item into a traditional artifact that was no longer used in daily life except for traditional and special occasions.
"Is it okay to just keep the Wagasa as something special? Why not create something that is used in daily life, just as it used to be? »
This is why we established the HIYOSHIYA Contemporary Collection. Tradition should not only be preserved and passed down but also be a continuous innovation that changes its forms over time. This is what truly matters to us in carrying on the tradition.
Tradition is Continuous Innovation
The HIYOSHIYA Contemporary Collection is Hiyoshiya's presentation of the new style of "WAGASA" as an established Kyo-wagasa store that has existed for over 160 years and five generations.
What is tradition? Hiyoshiya has long contemplated this question.
Every product begins with a new innovation; it is never born as tradition. Even Wagasa started as an innovative tool 1000 years ago. Over time, it evolved, becoming a common and familiar tool of daily life, and eventually transforming into a traditional artifact.
This tradition has been innovated and is now reborn as a design product.
Following our concept "Tradition is continuous innovation," we will create products that are favored by customers in today's time.
Birth of the Hiyoshiya - Kotori Series
Based on the idea that "tradition Is continous innovation", Wagasa craftsman Kotaro Nishibori, lighting designer Hiroshi Nagane, brand producer Akihiko Shimada and coordinator Sayaka Ono formed a project team and completed the KOTORI lamp through repeated trials over two years.
Rather than being confined to the world of historical sites and traditions, they wanted to be without boundaries, completely free in their ideas. Finally released in 2006, the key features of Hiyoshiya-Kotori are functionality and beauty. All lamps can be compactly folded and opened like an umbrella. Moreover, the lighting series showcases the delicate radiating bamboo structure and the gentle glow of light passing through washi paper.
One day, while drying Wagasa in the sun, Nishibori. was impressed by the beauty of the light as he looked up from inside the shade. The serene beauty of this filtered sunlight inspired him to convert the Japanese umbrella into a lighting structure. He set up a development team, and after two years of research they succeeded in marketing the Kotori lamp which since then, has won many awards, including the Good Design Award, and is now distributed domestically and internationally.
"Tradition is Continuous Innovation ». Please watch the video for more details about the making of HIYOSHIYA-KOTORI. 
Size
HG Pendant Light: φ 388 mm × H 205 mm
Size of Lamp Shade: φ 388 mm × H 205 mm
Size incl. electrical cord: φ 388 mm x 900mm
Accesories
Instruction manual
※Light bulb is not included (E27 /60W/ 220-240V）
※Socket is exclusively for CE countries.
Japanese standards sockets is also available upon request.
Material
Lightning equipment body: Steel, etc.
Shade: traditional Japanese paper washi, bamboo, wood.
Package: Paper box.
Quality label: Made in Kyoto workshop.
Customization
We provide logo imprint, custom color finish, fleece or fabric upholstery.
We can also create original designs. Please contact us for details.
Delivery
Please allow approximately 3 weeks for delivery, as each item is handmade.
Consumption tax will only be charged to customers residing in Japan.