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The wick of a Japanese candle is bigger compared to a western candle, which allows for a stronger, swaying flame. The vegetable-based wax makes for a special, warm orange flame.
This candle is used not only as the light for Buddhist temples and altars, but for dance stages, Noh productions, and tea ceremonies as well. It's mysterious flame is said to have healing properties much like classical music or natural green sceneries.
Buddhist altar = For Japanese people, a Buddhist altar is a place where people can worship and interact with their ancestors or deceased family members. Originally, as the name suggests, it was a place for a Buddhist statue. As such, it serves as a small temple inside one's home. |
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Unlike western candles which use oil, these candles are made by hand, one-by-one, using natural ingredients and ancient techniques. （※The rod type uses an oil from the wax tree as its vegetable oil, while the anchor type uses a rice-based oil as its vegetable oil.) |
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The Truth of Wax
From this truth, Wa-Rosoku is born. |
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There are two primary methods of creation. There is the method of pouring wood wax, and the method of multiple wood wax coatings called Kigake. Although both methods require refined skill, the Kigake method is more difficult.
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Prepare the wick by wrapping rush around thinly coiled Japanese paper. |
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[Under Coating] After the wick has set, the candle is hand-coated with wax over and over again. After multiple coatings, the candle becomes thick. |
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[Upper Coating] Special techniques are used to create the special atmosphere of Wa-rosoku. After 4-5 iterations by hand, the deep green candle suddenly becomes white. This technique is said to require the most refined and polished skill out of the candle making art. |
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[Pulling Out The Core] A cutting tool is used to gently pull out the wick. Afterwards, if necessary, cinnabar is applied. |
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[Applying the Cinnabar] The mix of the white from the pure wood sap and the cinnabar colorant makes for a beautiful white candle with an expressive surface pattern. Extremely high skill is needed to uniformly apply the thin coating. |
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| The Wick Made From Wrapping Rush Around Japanese Paper |
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| Handling Wax That's Approximately 50℃ With Bare Hands |
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| Cinnabar Application Process |
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Colors of the Ancient City
(5Candles w/Paulownia Box)
JP¥ 3,520
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Tree Wax Rod Style Candle w/Paulownia Box, 1.5
JP¥ 3,780 ～
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Illustrated Candle w/Stand (4 Candles)
JP¥ 9,950
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Decorative Candle Stand
JP¥ 1,760 |
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It is said that the tradition of the Japanese candle began in the Nara Period (710-794). As a treasured imported good from the Chinese Republic, it was only available to a select few. Wa-rosoku (Japanese Candle) was finally developed during the Muromachi Period (1336-1573).
During the latter part of the Edo Period it saw rapid spread and progress, and was a necessary traditional item in the everyday Japanese lifestyle up until the introduction of the western candle during the Meiji Era.
Even in the present day, Wa-rosoku is an invaluable traditional Japanese art that can only be made one-by-one by hand. They are currently being used in many temples, and in Kyoto where there are a lot of temples, Wa-rosoku has been finely developed, especially the unique and stable mysterious flame which is said to bring great happiness. |
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A shop that, for 100 years or more, has steadily protected the ideas of its father through inheriting traditions, skills, and trades, may receive the "Craftsman of Kyoto" and the "Old-Established Shop of Kyoto" from the Kyoto Prefecture Governor. |
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When the candle is lit, please place somewhere where it will be clearly visible. |
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Please do not place near objects that can burn or catch fire easily. |
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Please don't use in an area with strong winds. |
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As the wick of Wa-rosoku is thick, this produces a large flame. Please take special care of this fact. |
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As there is possibility of burning, please do not touch the candle while it is burning or immediately after it has been extinguished |
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If the wick remains after burning, please use tongs to pull it out, leaving 1-2cm. |
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Please use after you have removed the wrapping paper. |
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Please do not place or store in areas exposed to direct sunlight, high heat, or high humidity. The shape and/or color may be subject to change. |
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| If the wick of Wa-rosoku continues to burn and progress on its own, in a black carbonized state it will burn the wax as well, creating a large flame. Because of this, it is necessary to use tongs or special wick-cutting scissors to adjust the length of the wick and the size of the flame every 1-2 hours. For the large-sized Wa-rosoku (in general, sizes 10 and above), this process is absolutely necessary. For the smaller Wa-rosoku sizes, cutting the wick is recommended for safety. For the sizes of 1.5, 2, and 3, this process is not required. |
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 Click Here for Wick-Cutting Scissors |
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