Chouchin キャンドル by James Kaoru Bury is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 A' Design Award 銅賞 in 照明製品・器具デザイン Competition Category.

銅照明· 2022

Chouchin キャンドル

by James Kaoru Bury

Client: James Bury Design Studio

A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in 照明 Category

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Colors

The Design

About Chouchin キャンドル

「Chouchin Candle（提灯キャンドル）」は、内側のワックスが溶けるにつれて、日本の伝統的な提灯の姿へと少しずつ変化していくピラーキャンドルです。火を点けた当初は何気ないキャンドルに見えますが、時間の経過とともに内側のワックスだけが溶け、その佇まいがゆっくりと移り変わっていきます。二種類のワックスを使い分けており、外側のワックスは融点が高いため、外殻が形を保ったまま溶けたワックスを内部に留め、受け皿を必要としません。生まれる灯りは柔らかく穏やかで、眠りにつく前のひとときを自宅でくつろいで過ごせるように意図されています。詰め替え用リフィルにより、繰り返しお使いいただけます。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅賞

Chouchin キャンドルは、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Chouchin キャンドルは、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Chouchin キャンドルは、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。

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.