Small plant wax candle · Kyoto · Vermillion

Small hand-dipped ceremonial candle made from natural plant wax and coloured with natural vermillion pigments, featuring the distinctive tapered form and thick paper wick characteristic of authentic Japanese warosoku. The vibrant red hue symbolises peace, prosperity and celebration in Japanese tradition, making this candle particularly meaningful for auspicious occasions. The elegant silhouette and pure flame create a perfect balance of light and shadow, ideal for ceremonies, meditation or special celebrations.

The Craft. Warosoku are hand-rolled around a wick made from Japanese washi paper and igusa grass, with multiple layers of natural wax obtained from the seeds of the haze tree (mokuro) applied by dedicated artisans in a meditative process that requires patience and skill. The red colour is created by incorporating natural plant or mineral-based pigments into the molten sumac wax during the hand-dipping 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 candle-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-dip 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 projects to save and grow haze trees.