Wall Lamp
Manufactured by Yamagiwa Corporation
Japan, ca. 1965
Bamboo, Molded acrylic

Measurements
25,5 × 22 × 15,5h cm
10 × 8 × 6h in

Details
Manufacturer's Label

Provenance
Private collection, Japan

About
This wall lamp, designed by Shosaku Kondo in Japan around 1965, exemplifies the elegant synthesis of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. Kondo, trained as an industrial designer, is renowned for elevating bamboo into a medium for minimalist, sophisticated lighting.
The lamp’s hemispherical form is created from fine bamboo strips woven into a star pattern, complemented by a molded acrylic plate that diffuses light softly, producing a warm and intimate atmosphere. Produced in collaboration with Yamagiwa Corporation, a leading Japanese lighting manufacturer founded in 1923, this piece highlights Kondo’s ability to blend artisanal techniques with industrial precision. His work is considered a quintessential reference in mid-century Japanese design, combining lightness, structural refinement, and the inherent beauty of natural materials.

Biography
Shosaku Kondo (1927–2021) was a pioneering Japanese designer and master bamboo craftsman, celebrated for transforming traditional bamboo weaving into modern, refined lighting. Born in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Kondo trained in both craft and industrial design, developing a unique approach that combined meticulous handwork with contemporary forms.
In the 1960s, he became widely recognized for his innovative bamboo lamps, often characterized by delicate hemispherical or star-patterned constructions. These designs seamlessly integrate traditional craftsmanship with functional modern lighting, producing a soft, ambient glow while showcasing the natural elegance of bamboo.
Kondo collaborated extensively with manufacturers such as Yamagiwa Corporation, creating pieces that brought artisanal techniques into broader production without compromising their precision and beauty. His works are considered seminal in mid-century Japanese design and continue to inspire designers exploring the interplay of material, form, and light.
Throughout his career, Kondo was admired for his ability to elevate a humble material like bamboo into objects of sculptural sophistication, blending tradition and innovation in ways that remain influential today.