Hand-Painted Japanese Candles - Chrysanthemum (Size 3 Set of 2)

Warosoku and E-rosoku - Traditional Japanese Candles

The tradition of Japanese warosoku (Japanese-style candles) began in the Muromachi period and reached its height during the Edo period. However, their use began to decline in the Meiji period with the introduction of inexpensive paraffin wax-a common candle material-from the West.

Even so, warosoku, made from plant-based wax extracted from the fruit of the haze tree, and featuring a core made by wrapping washi paper and the pith of igusa (a material used in tatami mats), produce a dignified flame that swells and flickers-sometimes large, sometimes small. This gentle wavering expresses the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi and continues to be handed down to this day as an essential element in rituals at shrines and temples, kabuki theater performances, and tea ceremony settings.

E-rosoku (hand-painted candles) also have a cultural history. In the Edo period, when fresh flowers were difficult to obtain during the cold winter months, they were used on Buddhist altars as a substitute for floral offerings. The phrase kashoku no ten ("lights of celebration") still remains today, reflecting their role in weddings and other joyous occasions.

Please enjoy the solemn glow and decorative beauty of warosoku, and experience the spirit of Japanese culture through these traditional candles.


"Nobility"
"Elegance"
"Integrity"



Secure the candle firmly in a proper holder. For fire safety, do not place flammable objects nearby, and avoid using the candle in unattended or unoccupied spaces.

Be sure to remove any moisture from the holder before use, as this could cause the candle to crack or burst.

The wick of a warosoku is traditionally made by wrapping igusa (lamp wick grass) around washi paper, or by using a paper core. After about 20-30 minutes of burning, the wick may become too long. Please trim the center of the wick with scissors. Doing the same when extinguishing the flame helps prevent scattering ash and allows for easier relighting.

Use the candle in a wind-free location. Strong drafts can create soot, cause the wax to run, and prevent the candle from burning evenly.

As mentioned, trimming the wick after 20-30 minutes and again when extinguishing ensures a clean, steady flame and makes relighting easier.