The Creation of Akari Lamp Designs
Having lived and worked in Japan for 15 years, Samantha Haley absorbed not only the language, but an appreciation of Japanese culture. Through this experience and her association with Japanese colleague, Machiko Tanaka, a business was born – the crafting of delicate lampshades made from the Japanese rice paper (washi).
The idea to create these lampshades, all made by hand with fine details making each a one-off piece, is the result of many facets of Japanese culture that inspired Samantha.
Through discovery of the beauty of Japanese rice paper (washi), which is used for many purposes in Japan, Samantha and Machiko experimented with the different textures, colour and delicacy of the paper. They also researched the craft in all corners of Japan, with the final products being a combination of this research and their own ideas. The feeling of serenity at the Japanese gardens and temples in Japan is something they hope to capture in the designs.
On her return to Sydney Samantha noted that although paper lampshades are marketed in Australia, very few combine the beauty of this delicate paper in layers with original intricate designs
The unique shape of the shades is based on the traditional Japanese candle- holder. There are approximately 15 basic designs, using different styles and colours, however it must be noted that each lamp is handcrafted individually in Japan by Machiko, so no two are identical.