in・kan
In・kan is pair of tabletop lighting fixtures that takes influence from traditional Japanese wabi sabi ideas of embracing imperfection to allow users to intentionally create “flaws” in the object to enhance its aesthetic and sentimental value.
The brightness of the light is controlled by cinching and pulling the lampshade to allow more or less light to pass through the opening. The repetitive interaction with the light leaves the light fixture to be forever changing and “incomplete” and creates soft wrinkles overtime time. Signs of wear and use on the objects we use tell a unique story of our lives and celebrates the passage of time.
Role Industrial Designer
Tools Woodworking, Photoshop, Sewing Machine
Field Lighting Design
Designed Spring 2022
What is Wabi Sabi?
Wabi sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy and aesthetic that focuses on the beauty of imperfection in nature and impermanence. There is a strong connection to nature, materiality, and impermanence that is rooted in the idea that all things evolve from nothing and will eventually devolve back to nothing. For example, Kintsugi is an ancient Japanese ceramic repair technique that highlights the imperfection using gold pigment.
in・kan is made from all natural materials and assembled using Japanese joinery techniques for easy assembly and disassembly with no glue or hardware.
3 Simple Materials
Mulberry Paper
Cotton Muslin Fabric
White Oak Wood
Mulberry paper is a traditional material used in Japanese paper lighting. in・kan combines the delicate paper with an inner lining of cotton muslin to provide durability to withstand the cinching and pulling action.
Cinching and Pulling to Dim and Brighten
The repetitive interaction with the light leaves the light to be forever changing and “incomplete” and creates unique wrinkles and build sentimental connection throughout their time with the object.