Candle making

Artisanal candle making is a deeply rooted practice where technique and tradition shape every step. In Japanese warosoku craftsmanship, artisans begin with wax extracted from the berries of the haze tree or sumac, rendered into a pure, plant-based material. The wick itself is a work of art—handmade from washi paper wrapped around a core of dried rush (igusa), creating a hollow channel that draws melted wax upward for a taller, brighter flame. Candles are built entirely by hand through repeated dipping or careful layering by hand, with the artisan applying molten wax in thin coats that cool between applications. In Zapotec communities of Oaxaca, Mexico, candle makers work with beeswax and tallow, often hand-rolling or pouring wax into traditional wooden moulds passed down through generations. They incorporate natural pigments—cochineal for deep reds, indigo for blues, marigold for yellows—and may embed copal resin, marigold petals, or other sacred botanicals used in ceremonial practice. Both traditions share a common philosophy: candles are made slowly, with intention, honoring materials and methods that connect the maker to generations past.