Hand-Painted Japanese Candles - Shosoin(Size 3 Set of 2)

The history of traditional Japanese candles starts in the Muromachi period and peaks in the Edo period. Although they decline during the Meiji period due to inexpensive paraffin wax exported from the West, their solemn and flickering light—created by plant wax made primarily from sumac fruit, traditional Japanese paper, and a wick wrapped with the pith of rushes (the raw material of Japanese tatami mats)—expresses the wabi-sabi aesthetic of Japanese culture. You can still find them as an indispensable element for Japanese shrines and temples, kabuki stages, and tea ceremony settings. During the Edo period, when flowers were scarce in the cold winter months, you could use pictorial candles on Buddhist altars in place of flowers, or use them during auspicious wedding ceremonies. You can enjoy Japanese culture with the solemn light and wonderful decoration of Japanese candles. [Japanese Wax Pictorial Candles Inspired by Shosoin Treasures] The treasures preserved in the Shosoin in Nara embody a rich aesthetic sense nurtured in the Tempyo era and a cultural exchange brought from distant continents. This product features a Japanese wax pictorial candle, finished with hand-painted details inspired by the beautiful patterns and designs of the Shosoin treasures. - Precautions for Use and Wick Trimming 1. Secure the candle firmly to a candlestick, keep flammable materials away for fire prevention, and avoid using it in unattended areas. 2. Remove any moisture from the candlestick before use, as moisture causes the candle to burst. The wick of a Japanese candle traditionally uses a wick or paper wick made by wrapping rush pith around Japanese paper. After 20 to 30 minutes, the wick becomes long, so please cut the middle part of the wick with scissors. Extinguishing it in the same way prevents ashes from scattering and makes it easier to relight. 3. Use the candle in a place free from drafts. Strong drafts cause soot to rise and wax to flow, preventing complete combustion. 4. The wick of a Japanese candle traditionally uses a wick or paper wick made by wrapping rush pith around Japanese paper. After 20 to 30 minutes, the wick becomes long, so please cut the middle part of the wick with scissors. Extinguishing it in the same way prevents ashes from scattering and makes it easier to relight.