Named after the Japanese word for ‘firefly’, the collection is manufactured by Ozeki & Co Ltd, a celebrated Japanese company dedicated to making washi paper lanterns since 1891. Ozeki have previously collaborated with numerous Japanese artists and designers and worked with Isamu Noguchi on the production of his Akari light sculptures. There are two different lantern shapes in the Hotaru range. Double Bubble derives its strong, sculptural profile from the fusing of twin spheres, while Buoy is inspired by a maritime marker – at once anchored and weightless. Both shapes come in smaller and larger sizes, making them suitable for a variety of home and commercial spaces. The latest addition to the Hotaru collection are the design of floor and table bases, launched at the London Design Festival 2019. The option for a base was always anticipated in the design of the lanterns and through a process of exploration, a simple pedestal evolved. The stand and metal components are in black-anodised aluminium.
