Setto-ka: A Washi Lampshade

A Light Shaped from a Single Sheet of Washi

June 16, 2026

About Setto-ka

Setto-ka is a lampshade created from two elements deeply rooted in Japanese life: origami, the traditional practice of folding paper into shapes, and washi, the paper that has long been part of everyday life in Japan.
A single sheet of paper is folded into a three-dimensional form.
When illuminated, the folds reveal gentle shadows, while the texture of the washi softly emerges in the light.
Rather than filling a space with its presence, it settles quietly into its surroundings.

Origami and Washi

Origami is a traditional Japanese pastime in which a single sheet of paper is transformed through folding. Cranes, flowers, samurai helmets—many people in Japan grow up folding these familiar shapes as children. From a simple sheet of paper, countless forms can emerge. Setto-ka draws inspiration from this long-loved practice, translating the beauty of folded paper into the form of light.
The material itself is washi, a traditional Japanese paper made from plant fibers such as kōzo and mitsumata. Its finely interwoven fibers give it remarkable strength while allowing light to pass through with a softness unique to the material. To make it suitable for everyday use, the washi used in Setto-ka is reinforced with a resin treatment while preserving its delicate texture.

Kyō-karakami

The washi used in Setto-ka is Kyō-karakami, a traditional decorative paper that has been made in Kyoto for centuries. Its patterns are created using hand-carved woodblocks and traditional pigments such as gofun (crushed shell white) and mica.
The designs do not immediately reveal themselves. Depending on the light and the angle from which they are viewed, they appear and fade softly across the surface. When illuminated, these subtle patterns quietly emerge from within the washi, lending the light a sense of depth and quiet character.

Kyoto Hyōgushi Artisans

Each Setto-ka lampshade is shaped by Kyoto-based hyōgushi artisans. Traditionally, hyōgushi are craftspeople who mount paintings and calligraphy onto hanging scrolls, folding screens, and sliding doors. Their work requires a deep understanding of paper and the delicate qualities of natural materials.
Drawing on these skills, each lampshade is folded by hand. Every fold must be made with care. Even the slightest variation can affect the balance of the final form. It is a process that relies not only on technique, but also on years of experience working closely with paper.

A Structure Without a Frame

Most lampshades rely on an internal frame made from wood or metal. Setto-ka does not. Instead, the form is supported entirely by the folded structure of the washi itself.
Through careful folding, a single sheet of paper becomes a self-supporting three-dimensional form. Without an internal frame, the lampshade remains remarkably lightweight. Even in larger sizes, it feels airy and unobtrusive, bringing presence to a space without heaviness.

Light, Shadow, and the Texture of Paper

When illuminated, each folded surface responds differently to the light. The creases create delicate lines of shadow, while the washi softens and diffuses the light passing through it. Together, they create a gentle interplay of light and shade.
Rather than flooding a room with brightness, the glow expands gradually, tracing the contours of the surrounding space. Like a soft veil, it settles quietly into the atmosphere.

Not to Brighten a Space, but to Shape One

Setto-ka is not intended to illuminate an entire room. Instead, it creates a place within it.
A place that naturally draws the eye, slows the pace of a moment, and invites a sense of calm.
The light does not dominate the space. It quietly helps define it.

In Hotels, Restaurants, and Homes

In a hotel, it offers a place to exhale after a long journey.
In a restaurant, it does not spotlight the table. Instead, it creates a gentle sense of separation, allowing conversations and meals to unfold comfortably.
At home, it accompanies moments of reading, reflection, or simply doing nothing at all.

Wherever it is placed, Setto-ka creates a quiet place within the space around it.
Not a light that simply illuminates. A light that brings a sense of calm to a space.