Our Maru collection unites iconic Eastern and Western lighting traditions through thoughtful design and authentic craftsmanship. The exclusive Japanese washi paper shades are handcrafted for us by a 90-year-old chōchin lantern atelier in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan—a region renowned for its washi paper heritage. Made from thick, premium washi, each shade embodies the depth and elegance of Japanese artistry. Every Kakishibu shade is made from sheets of washi that have been hand-dyed with traditional kakishibu dye and then painted with black sumi ink and white pigment in an abstract pattern. Kakishibu is a traditional Japanese dye made from the fermented juice of unripe persimmons, a technique dating back to the 13th-century Kamakura period. The fermentation process can take a year or longer, resulting in a natural, eco-friendly dye with beautiful colors ranging from pinks to browns. The colors may deepen over time, developing a richer appearance. We pair these one-of-a-kind chōchin paper lanterns with U.S.-blown 12" opal glass globes, solid brass, and wood components to create a design that feels at once fresh and timeless. Please note that our Kakishibu shades are all hand-dyed and painted by artisans, so each piece is unique. They will vary from one to another, and we cannot mass-produce them with an identical appearance. Namesake: In Japanese, maru means "circle" or "round," and it often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or something cherished. Traditionally used as a suffix for ships' names, maru conveys wishes for good fortune and safe passage.
