Kami Lantern

Kami Lantern was born from a desire to rethink objects from the past through a sustainable lens. This project began as a response to the Timberline Lantern by Kyoji Tanaka—a rare 1980s design made entirely of plastic with a high carbon footprint. Rather than replicating its form, the goal was to reimagine its purpose: how might a light source be beautiful, functional, and gentle on the planet?
Crafted from a single sheet of waxed paper, Kami glows with a soft, ambient light that reveals the natural pulp and texture of the material. The charm of handmade objects lies in their imperfections, tactile nature, and the care infused into each piece. With Kami, the aim was to create something simple and intimate, combining the artistry of origami with the warmth of artisanal craft and sustainable intent.