Handmade in Japan
Sumac Japanese candle · Warosoku · Large Red
Large Japanese candle handmade by artisans at Nakamura Rousoku workshop in Kyoto. Crafted from natural plant-based wax made from the haze tree (sumac) and coloured with natural red pigments, the distinctive ikarigata tapered shape burns with a large, vivid flame that produces minimal soot. The vibrant red hue symbolises peace, prosperity and celebration in Japanese tradition. The candle burns for about 150 minutes - ideal to accompany a celebratory dinner.
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The Craft. Warosoku are hand-coated around a wick made from Japanese washi paper and igusa grass, with multiple layers of natural wax obtained from the berries of the haze tree (mokuro) applied by dedicated artisans in a meditative process that requires patience and skill. More modern techniques make use of wooden moulds to hand-pour the first layer of plant-based wax around the wick, while the following layers are applied in a traditional way by manually coating the base. The red colour is created by incorporating natural plant or mineral-based pigments into the molten wax during the hand-coating process, with each layer building rich colour depth. The distinctive tapered ikarigata shape serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, allowing the candle to burn evenly with a large, vivid flame that produces minimal soot.
The Heritage. The art of warosoku-making has enabled illumination in Japanese homes and temples for over 500 years, in a harmonious blend of practicality and spiritual reverence. These candles emerged during the Muromachi period when Buddhist temples required long-burning, smoke-free illumination for meditation and ceremonies. While white warosoku are enjoyed for daily use, red warosoku hold special ceremonial significance. The red hue symbolises peace, prosperity and celebration in Japanese tradition, making these candles particularly meaningful for births, marriages and festivals.
The Maker. Established 130 years ago in Kyoto, Nakamura Rousoku continues a centuries-old tradition of warosoku craftsmanship, preserving ancient techniques whilst serving temples and modern practitioners of Japanese culture alike. The artisans hand-coat each candle with meticulous attention to detail, using only the finest natural waxes combined with traditional natural dyes that maintain the candle's pure composition. The workshop maintains traditional methods passed down through generations and is actively involved in sustainability projects to save and grow haze trees.
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