Made entirely from natural ingredients, these hand-painted beautiful candles are adorned with flowers of the four seasons. Unlike Western candles made from paraffin wax obtained from petroleum, “Warosoku,” or Japanese candles, are made mainly from plant-based wax.
Hand-painted Japanese candles are said to have been created during the Edo period (1603-1868) to substitute for flowers in the Buddhist alter at homes in regions with heavy snowfall such as the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions, where flowers were not readily available in winter. This is how the culture of decorating the altars with candles that are primarily comprised of plant-based materials was born.
Plant-based waxes extracted from Haze, or Japanese wax tree, grown in Kyushu region are used for the candle while the wick is made with washi paper. Used in various daily necessities such as lipsticks and hand creams, the vegan wax is safe to use that complies with the Food Sanitation Law. Each candle is meticulously made by the hands of skilled artisans and the hand painted flowers of the four seasons are a testament to the craftsmanship backed by years of experience.
In addition to the flower paintings, the fact that the candle itself is purely vegetal makes it a perfect alternative to flowers for altar offerings. Another advantage is that it can prevent staining the room or the decoration of the altar. Recently, its use as an interior décor is being rediscovered as its flame is larger than other types of candles and known to have a relaxation power. The candles strike a balance between practicality and glamour, which makes them perfect not only for private use, but also as a wonderful gift.