Takazawa Candle Tohaku Candle L 1 pcs

A large Takazawa Candle Tohaku candle, in a lovely box.

Suits KOMA candle stand L, available separately here.

TOHAKU is an homage to "The Pine Trees Screen," drawn by Tohaku Hasegawa who is one of the most famous painters in Japan. The pine trees in the painting are of the landscape of Nanao City, and he drew it while recollecting his memories of the beautiful nature of his childhood home.  Nanao is where Takazawa Candle have been making candles sinze 1892. The flame is an extension of the gentle lines of these trees, reminding you of a rustic simplicity.

material: HAZE (sumac) wax, casted iron

Tohaku candle L: dia2.4 x h14cm, 240 min burn time

TAKAZAWA CANDLE creates traditional Japanese candles, called "WA-ROUSOKU," made from natural waxes.  They established their candle-making business back in 1892 in the city of Nanao in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The candles use different kinds of waxes that are derived from plant-based raw materials: fruits of HAZE (sumac) tree, rice bran, canola flower oil, and fruits of URUSHI tree.  The flame of the TAKAZAWA candles is bigger and brighter.  This is due to the structure of the traditional wick which is thicker in diameter than the western counterpart's.  The wick is made of the combination of WASHI-paper, rush weed, and silk fiber, all derived from the nature as well.

WA-ROUSOKU became popular with the spread of Buddhism, and in light of this historical background, one common use of these candles is as a tool for offering up prayer in places of worship. Examples of where they are used include temples, BUTSUDAN (Buddhist altars) in homes, and grave sites.

They have also come to be used as a way of making time for ourselves in the midst of busy, modern life. Candles can be lit as a way to make time for meditation or yoga, both of which restore calm to the body and mind, to ease tension after returning home from work, or to promote enjoyable conversation with family at dinner time. Their use as a way to make quality time that lasts until the flame extinguishes itself.

Precautions for Use

How to burn a candle safely

1. Japanese candles burn with a large, bright flame. Keep the candle at a safe distance from other items and do not place flammable items above the candle.

2.Candles will melt if left in warm places such as a car in summer, etc. Store them in cool places out of direct sunlight.

Before Lighting

1. Use a candlestick that is the correct size for the candle. Secure the candle up right making sure it doesn't wobble, and light it in a place out of reach of wind and breezes.

2. A white powder may appear on the surface of WA-ROUSOKU. This is a trait unique to plant-based wax and occurs when the wax crystallizes. It is not a quality defect.

3. Please note you do not need to push down a candle until it reaches at the bottom of a holder. When a candle stops and does not go down any further, it is the right place.

4. Warm up wax left on the candlestick with warm water, melt, and rinse. Wipe the candlestick with a soft cloth and make sure to dry the candlestick completely before using it again.

While Burning

1. While the candle is burning, cut the black burnt part of the wick down to adjust the size of the flame. A specialist wick trimmer is recommended for this. Melted wax may splatter if you extinguish the candle by blowing it out.

2. Do not place lit candles close together. Heat from one candle may cause the wax of a nearby candle to melt and run. Keep candles within your line of sight.

3. Do not leave a room without fully extinguishing the flame of any lit candles.

4. Please only light candles in appropriately maintained rooms.

5. Do not place candles near flammable materials. For example, please avoid placing candles near furniture, beds, carpets, books, or other paper materials.

6. Keep lit candles out of reach of children or pets.