Mitate light totems by Studio Wieki Somers

Monday 17 June 2013

Rei (Shields lamp), photo by Fabrice Gousset, courtesy of Galerie Kreo
Studio Wieki Somers' new lighting collection, Mitate, is currently on show at Paris' Galerie Kreo. Imbuing fantasy into common objects, the two Dutch designers are promoting an enchanted perception of everyday life. With this collection, and following on extensive trips to Japan, they wanted to create a contemporary equivalent of sixteenth-century Samurai flags.

Photo by Sylvie Chan Liat, courtesy of Galerie Kreo

The materials of each lamp are chosen with care. Reflective or mirroring, absorbing or translucent, they create a distinct lighting style, combining technology and craft.

Each of the light totems illustrates on of the seven principles of the bushido samurai code of honor, from which they are named. Gi, the right decision; Yuu, bravery; Jin, compassion; Rei, the right action; Makoto, truth; Meiyo, honour; Chuugi, devotion. 

Yuu (Mirror lamp), photo by Fabrice Gousset, courtesy of Galerie Kreo

Other inspirations include the fabric used by geishas to protect their skin from the sun and the Japanese stone gardens. Each of these lamps possesses its own identity and tells its own story.

Yuu (Mirror lamp), photo by Fabrice Gousset, courtesy of Galerie Kreo

Gi (Cord lamp), photo by Fabrice Gousset, courtesy of Galerie Kreo

Makoto (Reflection lamp), photo by Fabrice Gousset, courtesy of Galerie Kreo

Jin (Fabric lamp), photo by Fabrice Gousset, courtesy of Galerie Kreo

Meiyo (Mesh lamp), photo by Studio Wieki Somers, courtesy of Galerie Kreo