KOTORI HG Rakusui Paper Pendant M (φ530mm × H280mm)

The Functional Beauty Born from Kyoto Wagasa Craftsmanship for a Refined Lifestyle

The KOTORI pendant light incorporates the traditional craft techniques of Kyoto wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas). The bamboo delicately spreads in a radial pattern and the light is softly filtered through Japanese washi paper. This pendant is a contemporary expression of 'functional beauty,' crafted from natural materials with a touch of Japanese sensibility. It seamlessly blends into both the refined atmosphere of a traditional Japanese room and the sophistication of modern spaces, exuding timeless, universal elegance.

Water-Inspired Patterns Crafted by Nature

The Rakusui Paper Pendant series uses a special type of washi created with the rakusui technique, where water droplets are carefully dropped onto still-wet paper during the papermaking process. This technique results in delicate, translucent patterns that evoke a special sense of depth and warmth when light passes through. The movement and spread of the water droplets create one-of-a-kind patterns, with no two pieces exactly alike. Each pendant lamp is a beautiful and captivating example of how chance and the artisan's craftsmanship come together.

A Mid-Size Flagship Model with a Wide Range of Uses

The HG (High-Grade) Series, the KOTORI flagship model, is crafted using carefully selected Kyoto-grown bamboo and premium handmade washi paper. Like traditional wagasa (Japanese umbrellas), each frame is meticulously crafted by splitting a single bamboo stalk into 40 main and 40 secondary ribs (80 total), which are then hand-tied with cotton thread and finished with washi paper.

This mid-size model of the HG series (diameter 530mm × height 280mm) is highly versatile, making it ideal for spaces ranging from bedrooms to living rooms and dining areas. While it makes a bold statement when used alone, placing multiple units in open spaces or commercial hallways creates an artistic focal point.

Perfect Illumination for 10 to 13 Square Meter Rooms with a Single 100W Bulb

The HG pendant provides a gentle light with a single 100W bulb, comfortably illuminating a room of 6 to 8 tatami mats or 7 square meters. The slightly subdued brightness, compared to typical lighting, reflects the Japanese aesthetic of ‘appreciation for shadows ‘. In larger living spaces, combining this pendant with accent lighting can add depth and contrast, enhancing the overall ambiance of the room.

Like a Japanese Umbrella, the KOTORI Pendant Opens and Closes — Enjoy the Delight of Changing Shades

Handcrafted by traditional Wagasa artisans, the KOTORI pendant light features the unique ability to open and close like a Japanese umbrella. When detached from the lighting fixture and folded, the lampshade can be compactly stored, allowing you to change it to suit the season or your mood.

Award-Winning Japan Design, Recognized Both Domestically and Internationally

In 2006, Hiyoshiya introduced the KOTORI Lighting series, aiming to transcend traditional boundaries and to showcase its beauty globally. The striking contrast between washi paper and bamboo, and the soft, beautiful light that filters through when a traditional Japanese umbrella is opened, inspired this design. To share the wagasa aesthetic with a broader audience, Hiyoshiya expressed it through « lighting ». The Hiyoshiya-KOTORI collection, completed after overcoming numerous challenges by a team of artisans, brand producers, lighting designers, and coordinators, has earned prestigious accolades such as the Good Design Award, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Special Award. Today, it is cherished in over 15 countries worldwide.

Awards of the KOTORI series
<Domestic Design Award>
2007 Good Design Award, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Commissioner's Special Award "KOTORI", Japan Institute of Design Promotion
2007 New Japanese Style 100 Selections "KOTORI" Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, New Japanese Style Council
2007 Japan Shop System Award Encouragement Award "KOTORI" Shop System Association
2010 Kansai Design Selection "KOTORI" Kansai Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

<Overseas Design Award>
2008 FORM# AUSGEZEICHNET PRODUKTE (Excellence Award) "KOTORI" BUNDESVERBAND KUNSTHANDWERK (German Crafts Association - the German Crafts Council) / Messe Frankfurt


KOTORI development team
Brand Producer: Akihiko Shimada, CEO of Clip
Lighting Designer: Hiroshi Nagane, Representative of Tokyo Design Party
Coordinator: Tokyo Design Party Sayaka Ono
Craftsman: Hiyoshiya Nishibori Kotaro
Patent registration number: Patent 4392012
Design registration number: Design registration 1316138
Trademark registration number: No. 50522375

You can view the story of Hiyoshiya- KOTORI’s development in this video.

size
Overall size (when shade is unfolded): φ530 × H1270mm *including cord length to ceiling
Shade size: φ530×H280mm
Lamp: E26 100W milky white ball bulb x 1

Electrical Specification
Light bulb: E27 /60W/ 220-240V (light bulb is not included).
CE certified light fixture.
The socket is intended for use in countries that comply with CE standards. A socket that conforms to Japanese standards is available upon request.

Materials
Lighting Fixture Body: Steel, etc.
Shade: Washi paper, bamboo, wood
Packaging: Paper box

Accessories
Instruction manual , 100W E26 milky white bulb x 1
Quality indication: Made in Kyoto workshop
*The product comes with a regular incandescent bulb, but you can also use commercially available LED bulbs (E26 type).

Usage

For Home Use: Japanese rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, etc.
For Commercial Use: Restaurants, hotel lobbies, guest rooms, etc.

Custom options are available, including logo placement, custom color finishes, and original designs such as non-woven fabric or fabric upholstery. For more details, please contact us.