Soft Light: Vintage Style Lighting from Flame of Japan

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For tranquility at home, Kenichi Kandatsu recommends allowing some darkness to descend. “Rather than simply reproducing daytime light at night,” the lighting designer advises, “try imagining a light that will help you relax as you look back on your day.”

Not surprisingly, a kinder, gentler light is what Kandatsu aims for in all of his designs at Flame, his quietly arresting collection of household lamps, pendant lights, and sconces, all made in Japan and evocative of more dimly lit times.

We’ve been fans for years—see A Japanese Lighting Company Embraces the Dark Side. And though the Flame collection is currently only available in Japan—head’s up: the company is currently looking for overseas partners—we often turn to its creations and the settings they’re presented in for jolts of inspiration. “Lights in everyday life can be like candles,” Kandatsu says. “Shadows bring out the presence of things.” Here, a look at Flame’s latest.

Photography courtesy of Flame.

the knopf clip on light is made of aluminum that &#8\2\20;gains favor as yo 17 — Above: The Knopf clip-on light is made of aluminum that “gains favor as you use it.” Flame’s lights are made for use with traditional incandescent bulbs but are LED compatible.

Writes Kandatsu: “I often see fluorescent ceiling lights illuminating the room more than necessary. If you compare it to food, it’s similar to the situation where you get used to a very strong flavor and can’t taste the delicate flavors of the ingredients. I think people should choose lighting that brings peace and comfort.”

a baba glass pendant in hand blown milk glass with brass fittings and a tw 18 — Above: A Baba Glass pendant in hand-blown milk glass with brass fittings and a twisted cloth cord. Kandatsu’s rule of thumb: “As long as you have the necessary light where you need it, that is enough.”

flame&#8\2\17;s basque pendants come in black or white with twisted cloth c 19 — Above: Flame’s Basque pendants come in black or white with twisted cloth cord (and cost approximately $220). They’re hand enameled to create a “plump luster.”

&#8\2\20;we paid special attention to the thickness of the threads, weaving 20 — Above: “We paid special attention to the thickness of the threads, weaving method, and color, considering the transparency of light,” writes Flame of the “nostalgic” linen Amande pendant.

It was a trip to Scandinavia that set Kandatsu on his path: “I saw an unforgettable sight through a window: a very low pendant light hung at eye level in a family dining room. The light dimly illuminated the table in the dimly lit room. And the family looked very happy as they prepared dinner. It was the first time I realized the wonders of light.”

the flower pendant, like the amande shade above, is made of linen; it ha 21 — Above: The Flower pendant, like the Amande shade above, is made of linen; it has a light-modulating bottom cover and is open on top to brighten the ceiling. The table lamp is the Alma Fringe with a solid oak base.

the tone table lamp is part of flame&#8\2\17;s ongoing collaboration with t 22 — Above: The Tone table lamp is part of Flame’s ongoing collaboration with Tokyo fashion line Minä Perhonen. The collection “emphasizes the warmth created by handicraft.”

a brass hanger mini light with a movable arm and baba enamel shade. 23 — Above: A brass Hanger Mini light with a movable arm and Baba Enamel shade.

a hanger mini paired with an amande shade. 24 — Above: A Hanger Mini paired with an Amande shade.

the crank mini light with flame&#8\2\17;s new madeleine s shade of ple 25 — Above: The Crank Mini light with Flame’s new Madeleine S shade of pleated cotton.

More of our favorite lighting:

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Frequently asked questions

What is the source of inspiration for Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting?

Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting is inspired by traditional Japanese design and craftsmanship.

Do Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products meet safety standards?

Yes, all Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products meet international safety standards.

What types of vintage-style lighting products does Flame of Japan offer?

Flame of Japan offers a wide range of vintage-style lighting products including pendant lights, table lamps, and wall sconces.

Are Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products suitable for both residential and commercial use?

Yes, Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products are suitable for both residential and commercial use.

Can the vintage-style lighting products from Flame of Japan be customized?

Yes, Flame of Japan offers customization options for their vintage-style lighting products to suit individual preferences.

Where can I purchase Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products?

Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products can be purchased online through their official website or through select retailers.

Do Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products come with a warranty?

Yes, all Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products come with a warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.

What is the typical lifespan of Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products?

The typical lifespan of Flame of Japan's vintage-style lighting products is dependent on usage and maintenance, but they are built to last for many years.