Hand-Painted Japanese Candles - Sunflower (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 flourished in the Edo period. However, with the import of inexpensive paraffin wax-a standard candle material-from the West during the Meiji period, their use gradually declined.

Still, warosoku made from plant-based wax derived from the fruit of the haze tree, with a core created by wrapping washi paper and the pith of igusa (a material used in traditional tatami mats), produce a solemn flame that swells, flickers, and dances. This expressive, wavering light reflects the essence of wabi-sabi-a uniquely Japanese aesthetic of refined simplicity and imperfection-and is still used today in sacred spaces such as shrines and temples, on kabuki stages, and during tea ceremonies.

E-rosoku (hand-painted candles) also have a meaningful history. In the Edo period, when fresh flowers were hard to obtain during the cold winter months, they were used on Buddhist altars as substitutes for floral offerings. The phrase kashoku no ten ("lights of celebration") still exists today, reflecting their ceremonial use in joyous events like weddings.

Please enjoy the graceful glow of warosoku-candles that are not only functional but also beautifully decorative expressions of Japanese culture.


"Admiration"
"Radiance"
"I want to gaze only at you"



Be sure to secure the candle firmly in a holder. For fire safety, do not place it near flammable materials, and avoid using it in unattended areas.

Remove all moisture from the holder before use, as water can cause the candle to crack or burst.

The wick of a warosoku is traditionally made by wrapping igusa (lamp wick grass) over washi paper or using a paper core. After 20-30 minutes of burning, the wick will become longer. Please trim the center of the wick with scissors. This also applies when extinguishing the flame-it helps prevent ash from scattering and makes relighting easier.

Use the candle in a wind-free location. Exposure to strong wind can cause soot, lead to uneven melting, and hinder full combustion.

As noted above, trimming the wick after 20-30 minutes of use, and again when extinguishing, ensures clean burning and ease of relighting.