A fusion of tradition and modernism: The appeal of Chō Daisaku’s Japanese-style lighting piece, "ANDON TRIANGLE," and how to incorporate it into your interior.
"Washi" (traditional Japanese paper) lighting has long been a part of life in Japan. Its soft, soothing glow blends remarkably well—and with a sense of perfect harmony—into even the most contemporary, modern interiors.
In this feature, we explore a masterpiece of lighting design by Daisaku Cho, a renowned figure in the world of Japanese modern design.
We take a closer look at the "ANDON TRIANGLE"—a piece created in collaboration with Asano Shoten, a long-established maker of Gifu lanterns with a history dating back to the Edo period.
Who Was Daisaku Chō, a Master of Japanese Modern Design? His Career and Major Works
First, let us introduce the profile of Daisaku Cho, the creator of this beautiful lighting piece.
Daisaku Cho (1921–2014) was an architect and furniture designer who played a leading role in Japan’s mid-century design era.
After graduating from the Tokyo Fine Arts School (now Tokyo University of the Arts), he joined the architectural firm of Junzo Sakakura—a disciple of Le Corbusier.
At the Sakakura firm, he worked on numerous iconic architectural and furniture projects, helping to lay the foundation for "Japanese Modern"—a style that fuses traditional Japanese aesthetics with the rationalism of Western modernism.
His honest, minimalist designs—crafted with a deep sensitivity to the daily lives of those who use them—remain highly regarded to this day.
Notable works by Daisaku Chō (such as the Persimmon Chair and the Low Chair)
Notable works include the "Persimmon Chair"—distinguished by its beautiful, persimmon-seed-like shell form and winner of a gold medal at the 1960 Milan Triennale—the "Low-Seating Chair" (Teiza-isu), which was designed for the residence of Kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshiro VIII and brought innovation to traditional Japanese-style living, and the wooden "Triangle Table," which incorporates a form the designer particularly favored.
Each of these pieces is recognized as a masterpiece that epitomizes Japanese modernist design.
The "Lx. Project": An Initiative by Long-Established Gifu Lantern Maker Asano Shoten
The "ANDON TRIANGLE" lighting piece, which Mr. Cho worked on during his later years, emerged from the "Lx. Project"—an initiative launched by Asano Shoten, a long-established lantern manufacturer based in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture.
This project involves collaborations with world-class designers, aiming to apply the sophisticated craftsmanship behind "Gifu lanterns"—a traditional craft—to contemporary lifestyles.
Beyond merely preserving tradition, the project actively incorporates new materials and technologies to offer high-quality lighting that integrates seamlessly into modern interiors.
4 Key Appeals of the Iconic "ANDON TRIANGLE" Floor Lamp
Created by Daisaku Cho in collaboration with Asano Shoten, the "ANDON TRIANGLE" is a floor lamp that offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Japanese *andon* (lantern).
While conventional *andon* lanterns are typically square, this piece boldly adopts a triangular form—a shape that Cho frequently incorporated into his designs and to which he felt a particular affinity.
1. The aesthetic of a refined triangular form and a truss structure
The triangle—a shape Mr. Cho actively incorporated into his designs and held in high regard—was the very form he proposed when commissioning Asano Shoten to create lighting fixtures that utilized their traditional *chochin* (lantern-making) techniques.
The cedar frame, said to be inspired by the structurally robust "truss" design, is entirely free of superfluous elements; it harmonizes beautifully not only with traditional Japanese-style rooms (*washitsu*) but also with interiors featuring Scandinavian modern or mid-century modern aesthetics.
2. The soft, gentle light created by Mino Washi paper
The shade is crafted from Mino *washi* (traditional Japanese paper), made primarily from *kozo* (mulberry)—a natural material. Unlike conventional paper, in which fibers are broken down into fine particles through chemical processing, *washi* is made by hand and consists of long, interwoven, and robust fibers, offering both flexibility and exceptional durability.
Furthermore, these long, intertwined fibers cause light to undergo soft, diffuse reflection, creating a gentle, serene gradation that envelops the entire space.
3. An authentic, natural texture achieved through the use of straight-grained Japanese cedar and a hand-planed finish.
Mr. Cho sought to highlight the merits of Japanese craftsmanship while exploring the aesthetic potential of combining traditional materials with *chochin* (paper lanterns). For the frame, he deliberately chose *sugi-masa*—straight-grained Japanese cedar—to evoke a sense of Japan’s rich artisanal heritage.
Furthermore, to maintain a refined, distinctly Japanese aesthetic, the components are left unpainted and finished with a hand-plane; this meticulous approach allows both the artisan’s handiwork and the inherent beauty of the material to truly shine.
4. Available in two sizes (A and B) to suit your space
At the request of Mr. Cho, the product is available in two sizes—"ANDON TRIANGLE A" (W20 × H30 cm) and "ANDON TRIANGLE B" (W29 × H30 cm)—allowing for a choice that best suits the shape, dimensions, and ceiling height of the space where it will be placed.
It features an inline switch for easy operation, and because it is remarkably lightweight (approximately 180–220g), it can be effortlessly moved to different locations to accommodate changes in room layout or intended use.
Tips for Interior Styling Incorporating the "ANDON TRIANGLE"
With its simple, beautiful form, "ANDON TRIANGLE" harmonizes with a wide variety of interior styles.
Japanese-style rooms (washitsu) / Tatami spaces: Placing the light at a low level—near an alcove (tokonoma) or a floor table—creates an atmospheric setting reminiscent of a traditional *andon* (lantern).
Scandinavian / Mid-century style: Use it as an accent light atop a sideboard or beside a sofa; it pairs exceptionally well with wooden furniture.
Bedrooms: The soft, diffused glow filtered through Mino *washi* paper is gentle on the eyes, making it perfect for unwinding before bedtime.
Create a sophisticated Japanese modern space with Nagai Daisaku's "ANDON TRIANGLE".
Meticulously crafted by the hands of skilled artisans, the "ANDON TRIANGLE" is more than just a lighting fixture; it possesses a sculptural presence that brings a sense of serene stillness to any space.
At the end of a busy day, simply dim your room’s main lights and switch on this *andon*—in that moment, a special, relaxing atmosphere unfolds, allowing your mind to gently unwind.
Why not welcome this piece—a beautiful fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern design—into your home, to be cherished for a lifetime?
Collection of Works *Reproduction of images is prohibited.
ANDON TRIANGLE A ANDON TRIANGLE B
