Ceramic Table Lamp Model “MV0703”
Manufactured by Yamagiwa
Created for the Miyako Hotel in Kyoto
Japan, 1960s
Ceramic

Measurements
42,5 cm diameter × 42h cm
16,7 in diameter × 16,5h in

Provenance
Miyako Hotel (Kyoto) designed by Togo Murano

About
This ceramic table lamp, designed by Japanese architect Togo Murano and manufactured by Yamagiwa during the 1960s, reflects the integration of traditional decorative craftsmanship and modern lighting design. Characterized by its elegant proportions and distinctive ceramic base, the lamp combines an expressive ornamental surface with the restrained geometry of a cylindrical fabric lampshade.
The ceramic body features a slender, elongated neck that gradually widens into a rounded base. Its deep cobalt-blue glaze is decorated with delicate botanical motifs in shades of green, yellow, and red, creating a vivid contrast against the dark background. The simplicity of the lampshade emphasizes the sculptural qualities of the ceramic form, allowing the decorative details and rich coloration to become the focal point of the composition.
The design reflects Murano's broader interest in the relationship between architecture, craftsmanship, and interior furnishings. Throughout his career, Murano approached decorative elements as integral components of architectural space, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern forms and materials. This lamp exemplifies that sensibility, balancing ornamental richness with functional clarity.

Biography
Togo Murano (1891–1984) was one of the most influential Japanese architects of the twentieth century, recognized for his distinctive architectural language and his ability to reconcile modernist principles with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. After graduating from Waseda University in 1918, he joined the architectural office of Setsu Watanabe, where he developed his early professional experience. In 1929, Murano established his own architectural practice in Osaka, beginning an independent career that would span more than five decades.
Throughout his career, Murano developed an architectural approach that resisted strict adherence to any single movement or style. His work combined the formal innovations of European modernism with a profound appreciation for Japanese architectural traditions, particularly their emphasis on materials, craftsmanship, and spatial refinement. His extensive body of work encompassed public buildings, commercial spaces, hotels, private residences, and cultural institutions, often incorporating furniture, lighting, and decorative elements conceived specifically for their architectural settings.
Murano's architecture is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail, sophisticated treatment of materials, and sensitivity to the relationship between built environments and the human experience. His designs frequently explored the expressive possibilities of both traditional and modern construction techniques, establishing a dialogue between historical references and contemporary architectural forms. Through his integrated approach to architecture, interiors, and object design, Murano occupies a singular position in the history of Japanese modernism, leaving a legacy that continues to influence architectural practice and design.