Sculptural lamps and pendant lights that reference nature, aviation lights and traditional paper lanterns.
Tokyo-based industrial designer Nao Iwamatsu explores the aesthetics of artificial objects, materiality, and human development in his work. The Lotus, Flight and Rim lamps and pendant lights, launched at SaloneSatellite during the 2023 edition of Milan Design Week, also capture his masterful use of minimalist forms. Distinctly different, in both lighting design and concept, the three series are all highly creative and elegantly simple, showcasing the best of modern Japanese design.
The Lotus portable lamps reference the lotus flowers of a pond as well as traditional candlestick holders. Made with two bases, the designs allow the user to add a candle alongside the LED light to increase brightness. The brass material accentuates the effect further, as the golden surface reflects the light of the LED and that of the candle flame. These portable lamps allow users to carry them with ease from one room to another.
For the Flight series, the designer took inspiration from the aviation lights of Tokyo airports. Shaped like a cone, triangular prism, and cuboid, the three table lights work well as decorative sculptures. The designer used a black finish that accentuates the simple forms of the 3D objects. Plus, the intensity of the black surface makes the blinking red lights stand out further. Finally, the Rim series references traditional Japanese paper lanterns. Crafted with a stainless steel mesh and a stainless steel frame, the designs reinterpret the relationship between the wood frame and fine paper of a classic Japanese lantern. This series comprises table lamps and floor lamps as well as pendant lights. Photography © Ryoukan Abe.
