Traditional lighting equipment of Japan
In Japan, people used to light up their homes and streets with different types of lamps and lanterns a long time ago. These lamps were made of natural materials like paper, bamboo, silk, and wood. They were born out of a necessity for illumination since there was no electricity in the past. Let's talk about some of the traditional lighting equipment of Japan now...
Chochin (Paper Lanterns):
Have you ever seen a paper lantern? It looks like a round balloon made of paper with a light bulb inside. This is called "Chochin" in Japan. They were made by sewing together pieces of paper in a cylindrical shape, and bamboo strips were used to hold the structure together. They usually had Japanese characters, designs, or paintings on them. Chochin lamps were simple to create and it was easy to switch the lanterns on and off as needed. You could hang them outside your home or store to show you were open.
Andon (Floor Lamp):
"Andon" was another type of lamp that was mostly used in the past when people went to bed early and woke up early. It was a floor lamp with a stand that could easily be moved around. Andon was made of paper and was generally smaller in size compared to the Chochin lamps. They were typically used for reading, sewing, or simply for illumination. The paper was glued on a wooden frame, and a candle or oil would be placed in a holder suspended on a wooden stand. If you're familiar with your nightlight, it’s something like that but bigger and brighter.
Bonbori (Decorative Lanterns):
"Bonbori" was often used during traditional Japanese festivals like Tanabata or during the Obon Festival. They were designed with beautiful intricate patterns and adorned with tassels. Bonbori lamps come in various shapes and are typically lit-up using a candle or oil; they provide a decorative and fascinating aura. It is said to ward off bad energies and bring good luck.
Sumitsubo (Inkpot Lamp):
"Sumitsubo" is a type of lamp used by Japanese calligraphers when working or studying. They are made of brass and are shaped like an inkpot. A wick is inserted into the spout of the inkpot, and the lamp is filled with oil. The sumitsubo lamp's design permitted it to place sufficiently close to the paper without damaging it, providing a long-lasting light, and a stable and comfortable writing environment.
Conclusion:
These are some of the traditional lighting equipment widely used in Japan before the advent of electricity. Without getting into much scientific detail, people had to make do with what was available and create innovative solutions for their lighting needs, much like we do today. These traditional Japanese lights represent a fascinating aspect of Japan's ancient culture, and you can still see some of them being used today during traditional ceremonies and events.
Chochin (Paper Lanterns):
Have you ever seen a paper lantern? It looks like a round balloon made of paper with a light bulb inside. This is called "Chochin" in Japan. They were made by sewing together pieces of paper in a cylindrical shape, and bamboo strips were used to hold the structure together. They usually had Japanese characters, designs, or paintings on them. Chochin lamps were simple to create and it was easy to switch the lanterns on and off as needed. You could hang them outside your home or store to show you were open.
Andon (Floor Lamp):
"Andon" was another type of lamp that was mostly used in the past when people went to bed early and woke up early. It was a floor lamp with a stand that could easily be moved around. Andon was made of paper and was generally smaller in size compared to the Chochin lamps. They were typically used for reading, sewing, or simply for illumination. The paper was glued on a wooden frame, and a candle or oil would be placed in a holder suspended on a wooden stand. If you're familiar with your nightlight, it’s something like that but bigger and brighter.
Bonbori (Decorative Lanterns):
"Bonbori" was often used during traditional Japanese festivals like Tanabata or during the Obon Festival. They were designed with beautiful intricate patterns and adorned with tassels. Bonbori lamps come in various shapes and are typically lit-up using a candle or oil; they provide a decorative and fascinating aura. It is said to ward off bad energies and bring good luck.
Sumitsubo (Inkpot Lamp):
"Sumitsubo" is a type of lamp used by Japanese calligraphers when working or studying. They are made of brass and are shaped like an inkpot. A wick is inserted into the spout of the inkpot, and the lamp is filled with oil. The sumitsubo lamp's design permitted it to place sufficiently close to the paper without damaging it, providing a long-lasting light, and a stable and comfortable writing environment.
Conclusion:
These are some of the traditional lighting equipment widely used in Japan before the advent of electricity. Without getting into much scientific detail, people had to make do with what was available and create innovative solutions for their lighting needs, much like we do today. These traditional Japanese lights represent a fascinating aspect of Japan's ancient culture, and you can still see some of them being used today during traditional ceremonies and events.