The Uchiwa wall lamp by Ingo Maurer

With its elegant allure and timeless charm, the Uchiwa wall lamp by German designer Ingo Maurer embodies an iconic object that spans the ages and transcends fashions. Designed in the 1970s, this lamp is inspired by traditional Japanese fans, evoking the delicacy and simplicity of Japanese craftsmanship. Made from bamboo and lacquered rice paper, the Uchiwa is a true ode to natural materials and embodies a return to essential values, seeking a balance between art and functionality. Today, it is a fixture in contemporary interiors, seducing with its refined design and soft light, perfect for creating a warm and soothing atmosphere. A unique design, a tribute to Japan The term "Uchiwa" means "fan" in Japanese, a symbol of grace and freshness. In the 1970s, fascinated by minimalist aesthetics and Japanese culture, Ingo Maurer began a personal journey of discovery and creation. In 1972, during a stay in Paris, he fell under the spell of traditional fans made of bamboo and lacquered rice paper, which he saw in a small shop. This discovery was decisive: Maurer immediately perceived the poetic potential of this humble object to diffuse a soft and enveloping light. He then decided to leave for Japan, where he met Tatsuo Shigeki , a master craftsman from an ancient lineage specializing in the making of these fans. At the time, Shigeki was one of the few craftsmen to have resisted industrialization, continuing to produce the Uchiwa using ancestral techniques that favored bamboo and natural materials. Together, Maurer and Shigeki combined their talents to create a luminous version of the fan, transforming this object into a wall light with simple lines and a soothing light. A launch and an international success Back in Munich, Maurer adapted the fans by adding a wire support, allowing a discreet light source to be inserted while preserving the finesse of the structure. This atypical wall light quickly attracted the attention of design enthusiasts in Europe and the United States. In 1977, the Uchiwa made a remarkable entrance onto the American market thanks to the Bloomingdale's department store in New York, before being distributed by other prestigious brands. Demand quickly became such that Shigeki's workshops struggled to keep up, propelling the Uchiwa to the rank of design icon. However, over the years, and despite its initial success, the craze faded with the emergence of new trends, and production of the Uchiwa stopped in 1984. However, far from being forgotten, this vintage-style wall lamp is experiencing a resurgence in popularity today, in a context where natural materials and sustainable objects are once again popular. In response to this craze, Claude Maurer, son of Ingo Maurer, is considering a reissue in collaboration with the son of Tatsuo Shigeki, thus perpetuating the legacy of their respective fathers. This project could allow a new generation to appreciate this masterpiece of design. An inspired and timeless renaissance Today, the Uchiwa wall lamp is making a comeback in our interiors, and is available as a wall lamp, floor lamp or chandelier, fitting perfectly into modern or classic decors. This simple light fixture is appreciated for its timeless aesthetic and its return to its roots, a tribute to traditional craftsmanship and the purity of Japanese lines.. The Uchiwa is thus much more than a simple light fixture: it represents a philosophy of life where art and nature unite to bring beauty and serenity to our daily lives.