This Kumiko lamp is the 6th lamp I have made but is a totally different lamp style and kumiko design than any I had done previously.
The two primary wood species for this piece are bloodwood and ebony, both dense tropical hardwoods from Africa. The light colored wood in the kumiko panels and lid capstone are Ohio-harvested basswood. It was finished with shellac and beeswax polish for a natural sheen.
Rather than using the typical shoji paper, I make my lamps with cut-to-fit colored glass that can be removed and replaced. So, if you would like a different color of glass, you can easily change these panels out. The lamp will come with a MDF template for having glass cut to fit the panels. I like Franklin Glass here in Columbus for this type of glass.
Internally, there is a central shaft with replaceable LED Strips, mounted so light is diffused the full height of the panels and controllable with a free smart phone app. This lamp’s LEDs can show a wide variety of colors and also be set up with “scenes” of moving lights and even responsive to ambient music (I tend to prefer the pink colored light to match the lamp color and glass).
This lamp was made mostly with hand tools, and is quite labor intensive. However, the look is very striking and it will last decades if cared for well.
It can be yours for a $600 Pelotonia donation. If interested, send me an email at [email protected]
What is Kumiko?
Kumiko is a traditional Japanese woodworking technique known for assembling intricate geometric patterns from finely cut wooden pieces, all without the use of any nails. This elegant craft has its roots in Japan’s architectural traditions, where it was originally employed to adorn sliding doors (shoji), transoms (ranma), and screens. With a rich history spanning over 1,400 years, Kumiko is a reflection of Japan’s profound reverence for nature and harmony, exemplified by the meticulous arrangement of even the smallest wooden elements with a focus on balance and precision. The delicate lattice patterns found in Kumiko designs symbolize various motifs such as cherry blossoms, snowflakes, and tortoiseshells. Over centuries of development, Kumiko has evolved to represent more than just decorative art; it encapsulates the philosophy of coexistence among people, wood, and space. (Source)