Mitate Lighting Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.

Makoto (Truth) — Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.
Limited edition of 6 pieces + 2 A.P. + 1 Prototype
Shade in anodised aluminium with printed reflection foil, LED light sources; Pole in brass with cord binding; Base in tulip wood, brass.

Meiyo (Honor) — Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.
Limited edition of 6 pieces + 2 A.P. + 1 prototype
Shade in copper-plated stainless steel with oxidised treatment, cord binding, anodised aluminium, LED light sources; Pole in copper-coated aluminium, cord binding; Base in tulip wood, copper-coated aluminium.

Yuu (Bravery) — Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.
Limited edition of 6 pieces + 2 A.P. + 1 prototype
Shade of fibreglass and aircraft plywood with gold leaf, anodised aluminium, LED light sources; Pole in brass, cord binding ; Base in polyester concrete.

Chuugi (Devotion) — Mitate Collection  by Studio Wieki Somers.
Limited edition of 6 pieces + 2 A.P. + 1 prototype.
Shade in carbon fiber and fibreglass with a flocked coating, blacken steel, anodised aluminium, LED light sources; Pole in anodised aluminium, cord binding; Base in lacquered wood, anodised aluminium.

Jin (Compassion) — Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.
Limited edition of 6 pieces + 2 A.P. + 1 prototype
Shade in Nuno fabric, fibreglass, carbon steel, aluminium, feather, LED light sources; Pole in anodised aluminium, cord binding; Base in tulip wood, anodised aluminium.

Gi (Right decision) — Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.
Limited edition of 6 pieces + 2 A.P. + 1 prototype
Shade in perspex, cord fringe, aluminium, stainless steel, LED light-sources; Pole in anodised aluminium, cord biding, Base in polyester concrete.

Rei (Right Action) — Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.
Unlimited edition 
Shade Kozo paper with white gold leaf, waxed cord, coated aluminium, LED light sources; Pole in anodised aluminium, cord binding; Base in lacquered wood, anodised aluminium.

Rotterdam-based Studio Wieki Somers recently exhibited a body of work at Galerie Kreo in Paris. Titled Mitate, an exhibition presented a family of seven large-scale floor lamps that take clues from Japanese culture.

Studio Wieki Somers took several trips to Japan in 2011 and 2012, during which they conducted research on local craft knowledge and materials that influenced the design of the lamps. The collection is inspired by Japanese easthetic, including sixteenth-century Samurai flags and the fabric worn by geishas to protect their skin from the harshness of the sun.

Rei (Right Action) shade detail — Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.

Meiyo (Honor) shade detail — Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers.

“We wanted to create a contemporary equivalent of sixteenth-century Samurai flags translated into ‘light poles’ – a family of lamps.”

Mitate Collection by Studio Wieki Somers, exhibition view at Galerie Kreo, Paris.

Named after the bushido samurai code of honour, the lamps illustrate each of its seven principles: Gi, the right decision; Yuu for bravery; Jin for compassion; Rei for the right action; Makoto for truth; Meiyo for honour; and Chuugi for devotion. Each lamp has its own identity, offering a unique combination of technology and craft. Simply exquisite.

[Photography by Sylvie Chan Liat & Fabrice Gousset, courtesy of Galerie Kreo.]