Asano Tawara Lamp A121 | Shigeru Uchida | Washi Lantern

The Asano Tawara Lamp takes its name from the traditional Japanese rice bale \u2014 a tightly woven straw cylinder that has been a symbol of harvest and abundance in Japan for centuries. Designed by Shigeru Uchida in 1990 and handcrafted in Gifu using Mino washi paper, this floor lamp translates the barrel-like form of a tawara into a glowing, sculptural light. Standing 19.5 inches tall and 11 inches in diameter, it is the most cylindrical of the three Chochin lamps \u2014 generous in volume, soft in glow, and unmistakably Japanese in character.

The Chochin series \u2014 Donguri (acorn), Tawara (rice bale), and Mari (ball) \u2014 forms Asano\u2019s more architecturally scaled counterpart to the compact Paper Moon collection. Where the Donguri is slender and vertical and the Mari is spherical, the Tawara occupies the middle ground: a substantial cylinder that creates the most even, column-like glow of the three. Mounted on a black steel tripod base, it has the presence of a traditional floor lantern while fitting comfortably into contemporary living spaces as ambient or accent lighting.

Each lamp is handcrafted in Gifu using Mino washi paper formed over a wire armature and bamboo spiral, then mounted on a minimal steel tripod base. The E17 socket accepts standard incandescent bulbs up to 25 watts (not included) and is compatible with LED equivalents. Lightweight and flat-packed for easy shipping, assembly is simple. Care is minimal: dust gently with a soft, dry cloth \u2014 the delicate washi paper shade requires no liquid contact. Designed for dry indoor environments only.

Designer: Shigeru Uchida (1943\u20132016) | Brand: Asano

Specifications

• Height: 19.5 inches
• Diameter: 11 inches
• Light Source: E17 socket, 25W max incandescent (bulb not included; LED compatible)
• Materials: Mino washi paper shade, bamboo ribbing, wire armature, steel tripod base
• Environment: Indoor use only (IP20)
• Care: Dust gently with soft, dry cloth; do not expose to liquids
• SKU: MD-AS-CH-A121

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Tawara mean, and how does it relate to the lamp\u2019s shape?
A: Tawara (\u4fe3) is the Japanese word for a traditional rice bale \u2014 a cylindrical bundle of straw used to carry and store rice. The lamp\u2019s barrel-like, cylindrical shade evokes this form directly. Like all Asano lamp names, it roots the design in Japanese material culture.

Q: How does the Tawara compare to the Donguri and Mari?
A: The Tawara is the most cylindrical at 19.5 inches tall and 11 inches wide. The Donguri is much narrower (4.72 inches wide) and more vertical. The Mari is the widest (14.57 inches wide) and most spherical. All three stand at the same 19.5-inch height on their tripod stands.

Q: Can I use the Tawara as a bedside lamp?
A: At 19.5 inches tall, the Tawara is better used as a floor lamp beside a bed rather than on a bedside table. For compact bedside use, the Paper Moon series offers smaller table lamp formats.

Q: Is assembly required?
A: Yes \u2014 all Asano Chochin lamps are flat-packed and require basic assembly. The shade opens over the armature and the tripod base attaches simply, without tools.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.