Chouchin Vela by James Kaoru Bury is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 A' Design Award de Bronce in Diseño de Productos de Iluminación y Luminarias Competition Category.

BronceIluminación· 2022

Chouchin Vela

by James Kaoru Bury

Client: James Bury Design Studio

A' Design Award de Bronce Winner in Iluminación Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About Chouchin Vela

La Vela Chouchin es una vela cilíndrica que adopta gradualmente la forma de un tradicional farol japonés chouchin a medida que la cera se derrite en su interior. Al encenderla por primera vez, la vela parece corriente, pero con el paso del tiempo solo se funde la cera interior y su aspecto va cambiando lentamente. Se emplean dos tipos de cera: la exterior tiene un punto de fusión más alto, de modo que la envoltura conserva su forma y contiene la cera derretida en su interior, sin necesidad de plato. La luz resultante es suave y delicada, pensada para ayudar a las personas a relajarse en casa en las horas previas al sueño. Un recambio permite utilizarla repetidamente.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronce

Chouchin Vela ha ganado el A' Design Award de Bronce, un reconocimiento sumamente prestigioso concedido a diseños sobresalientes que se distinguen por su creatividad, ingenio y astucia. Los ganadores de Bronce son artefactos ampliamente hábiles y sorprendentemente creativos que acreditan la vasta experiencia, imaginación e ingeniosidad de sus diseñadores. Se espera que Chouchin Vela sea un objeto muy apreciado, admirado y querido, notablemente profesional e innovador. Este diseño ganador del A' Design Award de Bronce incorpora las mejores prácticas del arte, la ciencia, el diseño y la tecnología, y es excelente por su atención al detalle. Chouchin Vela satisface espléndidamente las necesidades, toca los deseos, encanta los sentimientos y atrae la curiosidad.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Chouchin Candle is a pillar candle that gradually turns into a Japanese traditional Chouchin lantern as the wax melts inside.
When the candle is first lit, it looks like a normal candle, but as time passes, only the inside wax melts and gradually changes its appearance.
Different types of wax are used for inside and outside, and the outer wax does not melt even though the candle is all made of wax, allowing it to create a soft and gentle light.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimentions: H170mm x W 90mm x D90mm
Candle burning hour: 70 hours.

When the candle is finished, simply purchase a refill and the candle can be used repeatedly.
Tags: Candle, Lighting, Craft, Japanese, Gift
Production Technology: Normally the outer rim of the pillar candles melt, which causes the melted wax to leak out. Chouchin Candle uses two types of wax for inside and outside. The outer wax which is a patented technology of Pegasus Candle Co., Ltd. from Kurashiki Japan, which has a higher melting point than the normal wax, which allows it to keep the outer shape as it is and prevent the hot melting wax from leaking out. This means that there is no need to place a dish under the candle, allowing the candle to be used in the most minimal state and blend into the interior, which is a game changer to the aesthetics and usability of candles.
Design Challenge: Although the outer wax has a higher melting point, if the fire is too close or if there is any wind current, the outer wax cannot hold its shape and eventually melts. It was a challenge to keep the candle in compact size, and the fire is away enough so that the outer wax does not melt. We have tried more than 30 prototypes and tweaked the materials and size to create the current product.
Inspiration: The purpose of Chouchin Candle is to create a more relaxing atmosphere in peoples homes, and encourage the user to turn the lights off a few hours before going to bed, which increases the sleeping quality.
This became more approachable by discovering the gradually changing to lantern gimmick. Since the candle becomes more beautiful as it is used, it develops in ones mind a nurturing emotion towards the candle, which becomes a motivation to use the candle everyday.
Project Duration: The project started in June 2018 and finished in June 2021 in Tokyo Japan, and was exhibited in DESIGNART TOKYO in October 2020.
Operation Flow: Simply light up the candle wick and enjoy. Only the inner wax will melt, and the outer wax will keep its shape since the outer wax uses a patented Japanese technology, and it has a higher melting point. When the candle is finished, insert the refill and the candle can be reused.