Chinese lantern plant has fruit that resembles a Chinese lantern in both shape and color. During the Obon Festival in Japan, streets and homes are decorated with these lanterns as signposts to guide ancestral spirits back. In kanji, it is written as ‘Hibari’ (honey light) and serves as a guidepost for the return of these spirits. The root has been used as traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times, referred to as ‘Sanshokon.’ The delicate, skeletal veins of the dried fruit are beautifully preserved over time.

Pre order only.

Shiro Kuramata once said, “Enchantment should also be considered as function.” 

This reflects humanity’s long fascination with time, stretching back to the discovery of ancient ambers preserving million-year-old life. Our desire to freeze moments in time may stem from a deeper curiosity about our existence or the wish to capture fleeting beauty.

Sola Cubes, crafted by Usage No Nedoko in Kyoto, embody this philosophy. These cubes combine traditional Japanese values of reverence for nature and appreciation of overlooked elements. Encased in hand-polished crystal clear acrylic resin, each cube holds a preserved leaf, seed, or flower, offering a meditative glimpse into nature’s beauty—similar to Kuramata’s “Miss Blanche,” but using real organic materials.

We are currently taking preorders in an attempt to manage production times and freight congestion during the upcoming festive period. Preorders will close on 20 October 2024.

• This is currently a preorder item and will arrive in November 2024.
• Acrylic resin may turn yellow over time due to ultraviolet rays so please avoid placing it under direct sunlight.
• Sola cubes are handmade by craftsman one by one. The size, colours and shape of the subject have distinct differences as would with nature.
• Avoid using or placing under high temperatures.

Material(s):

• Acrylic Resin
• Dried Plants

Source:
Kyoto

Dimensions:
W5 x D5 x H5 cm