Japanese Candle - Ikari - Sumac Wax
A large hand-made Japanese candle in the anchor form, with a four-hour burn time.
The IKARI candle takes its name and shape from the anchor (ikari in Japanese), which is wide at the top, narrowing to the base. This top-heavy form was developed to solve a practical problem: before electric light existed, brighter candlelight was essential, and the widened rim allows the candle to draw and burn more wax at once, producing a larger, brighter flame from the moment it is lit.
Made from sumac wax with a hollow wick of washi paper and dried rush, hand-made at the Takazawa factory in Nanao, Ishikawa. A single candle burns for 240 minutes.
The IKARI candle is suitable for the large size KOMA cast iron candle stand. The KOMA stand takes its name from the koma - the traditional Japanese spinning top - whose tapering silhouette is reflected in the stand's form. Cast from Nambu iron, a type of traditional cast iron produced in Iwate Prefecture, and finished with a smooth natural glaze. The large size has substantial presence and is designed to hold longer candles. Its solid form will last for decades if looked after.
The IKARI candle can be bought separately, or with a stand included.
IKARI Candle
- Material: Sumac wax, washi paper and dried rush wick
- Burn time: 240 minutes
- Dimensions: φ3 / 2.4 cm (top/base) × h19 cm
- Contents: 1 piece
- Packaging: Cardboard box, paper wrapping
- Suitable for: KOMA Candle Stand L
KOMA Candle Stand L
- Material: Nambu cast iron, natural glaze
- Dimensions: φ5.5 × h5.3 cm
- Made in: Iwate Prefecture, Japan
- Suitable for: Tohaku L, Ikari
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Takazawa Candle has been making plant-based candles, such as from the fruits of the sumac tree, rice bran, and rapeseed flower oil, since 1892. The company was part of a bustling trade during the Edo period in the harbour town of Nanao, and to this day continues to make candles by hand, focusing on traditional techniques.
The flames of Takazawa candles burn bigger and brighter than those of other candles. This is due to a special wick the company makes from a unique recipe dating back to the 16th century, when it was important to make a candle burn as bright as possible. The wick is also made from plant-based materials such as dried rush and washi-paper.