Hand-Painted Japanese Candles - Katakuri (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, with the introduction of inexpensive paraffin wax from the West-a common candle material-during the Meiji period, their use gradually declined.

Still, warosoku, made from plant-based wax extracted from the fruit of the haze tree, and featuring a core wrapped in washi paper and the pith of igusa (used in tatami mats), create a dignified flame that swells, contracts, and gently flickers. This expressive light embodies wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic of refined simplicity and imperfection, and continues to play a vital role in rituals at shrines and temples, on kabuki stages, and in tea ceremonies.

E-rosoku (hand-painted candles) also carry deep cultural significance. In the Edo period, when fresh flowers were hard to come by during winter, they were used on Buddhist altars as substitutes for real flowers. As the phrase kashoku no ten ("lights of celebration") suggests, they were also used in weddings and other festive occasions.

Please enjoy the elegant light and decorative charm of warosoku-candles that beautifully reflect the spirit of Japanese culture.


"First Love"
"Jealousy"
"Enduring Loneliness"



Secure the candle firmly in a proper holder. For fire safety, do not place flammable materials nearby, and avoid using the candle in unattended or isolated areas.

Ensure the holder is completely dry before use, as moisture may 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 using a paper core. After 20-30 minutes of burning, the wick will become elongated. Please trim the center of the wick with scissors. Doing so when extinguishing the flame will also help prevent ash from scattering and make relighting easier.

Use the candle in a location sheltered from wind. Strong airflow can cause soot, melt the wax unevenly, and hinder complete combustion.

As noted above, trimming the wick after 20-30 minutes of use, and again when extinguishing, will help ensure clean burning and make relighting easier.