Ipponsugi Candle
USD$38.37
100% Natural Japanese “Haze” Sumac Wax
Made in Japan
Box of 8pieces
∅1.6cm x 8cm (incl. wick)
Burning time: 40 minutes
Out of stock
Ipponsugi candles are made of Japanese wax known as Haze, which is cultivated from the fruit of trees. Haze (or sumac) wax has been consistently used in Japanese candles for centuries due to its odourless natural quality and unique sticky consistency that makes its candle burn slowly and it less likely to run when melting.
The origins of its name “Ipponsugi” (translates as one Japanese cedar tree) come from the historical street in Nanao city, Ishikawa prefecture of the same name, where the Takazawa Candle brand resides. Like the street, it is a candle rooted in tradition.
The beautiful tapered “anchor” shape of the Ipponsugi candle catches your eye as it spreads out in a graceful curve towards the sky.
Candles made of Haze (Japanese sumac) wax have a unique stickiness making the melted wax less likely to run during use.
Haze (sumac) wax has been used as a raw material for candles since ancient times in Japan. Production has been decreasing every year, and at present, there are only a few companies making pure Japanese wax candles. Takazawa Candle is known to be one of the finest.
Takazawa Candle continues making efforts to protect the natural environment of the trees they cultivate and to preserve the autumn scenery filled with red-coloured leaves while producing these traditional Japanese wax candles.
Depending on the soil of the Haze tree cultivation area, and the year of wax accumulation, these candles result in a variety of soft colours. The beautiful white powder appearing on the surface of each candle is a reliable proof of the natural material contained within.
Created for people who spend time enjoying candles, for those who harvest the wax from trees, and for nature. This is a candle that attempts to connect all involved. There is nothing quite like a gently flickering flame to enhance moments of relaxation.
TAKAZAWA CANDLE
Since 1892
Ishikawa, Japan
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HISTORY
Legend has it that the first candles, made from beeswax, arrived in Japan with the introduction of Buddhism during the Nara period (the eighth century).
By the Edo period (1603-1868), the cultivation of Haze (wax trees), the raw material used in Warousoku (Japanese candles), flourished on the island of the Kyushu and Shikoku areas in Japan.
Candles provided light for everyday purposes and came to be used in traditional entertainment such as Noh and Kabuki.
The city of Nanao in Ishikawa prefecture flourished during this time as a part of so-called Kitamae-bune, “Northbound ships”, due to its excellent natural settings. Wax from Kyushu and Japanese paper (Washi) from Iwami in Shimane prefecture used for wicks were brought to Nanao to produce traditional Japanese candles. The finished products were then transported throughout Japan by Kitamae-bune.
The guild made by Japanese candle maker called “Rosokuza” continued to exist in Nanao until the late 19th century. Takazawa Candle was established in 1892 and succeeds this tradition over a century.
They value ethical and social contribution in crafting traditional Japanese candles, made from a combination of historical technologies and industries.
Today, the future of craftsmen for these precious works is in danger of existing. By continuing to use natural materials, they contribute to the survival of traditional technologies and to the conservation of the Japanese mountains, plants and nature.
Their candles continue to be widely used in Buddhist temples and many homes as offerings, as well as at meditation and yoga sessions to calm the body and mind.
Takazawa Candle is committed to preserving the wisdom and ingenuity of traditional Japanese candle making for generations.
To make a traditional Japanese candle, they start with the candle wick. The wick is made by winding dried grass around hollow cord of Washi (Japanese paper).
The hollow core of the wick allows oxygen to be drawn up from the bottom so that the flame consumes more melted wax, thus increasing the combustion power and creating a powerful flame.
Next they create the candle shape by poring melted wax into wooden or metallic molds. After the wax has set, they remove it from the mold and finish shaping by hand with a small knife.
They begin the day at Takazawa Candle factory at 5AM in winter and 6AM in summer by lighting fired under the kettles to melt the wax. They burn firewood, timber that has been thinned from nearby forests on the Noto penisula. They use three big pots and small kettles. They put the raw wax into into each pot depending on which type of candles they’ll be making that day.
Shop Location
279 East 6th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5T 1J7
Canada
Phone: 604 423 3679
e-mail: info@itsumo.ca
Shop Hours
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday ~ Saturday: 12:00 ~ 18:00
Sunday: 12:00 ~ 17:00