Our 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. Handmade from thick, premium washi in a warm cream tone, each shade embodies the depth and elegance of Japanese artistry. We pair these authentic shades with solid brass and wood components to create a refined, enduring design. Namesake: In Japanese, Umi means the sea or ocean. The elongated form of our Umi washi lantern draws from traditional lantern silhouettes while subtly referencing the nautical, echoing the oblong profile of pneumatic boat fenders that protect vessels at the dock, an innovation pioneered in 1958 by Yokohama Rubber Co. and now used worldwide. Our Umi Collection honors authentic chōchin craftsmanship while celebrating Japanese ingenuity, design, and cultural heritage.
