The ‘Ocean’ pendant light
Taiwan is not only the world’s leader in plastic production, it embraces, supports and creates products from traditional crafts.
I like projects that support local craftsmanship and traditions. Here is Kamaro’an whose name originates from Pangcah, an indigenous language in Taiwan, meaning ‘the place to live’.
Launched during Taiwan Designers’Week in 2015, directed by Ben Chiu, Kamaro’an was awarded ‘Rising Asian Talent’ by Maison & Objet in 2017.
The brand is inspired by Taiwanese indigenous culture, using natural materials and employing indigenous weavers. They devoted to provide culturally-related employments in Hualien to welcome youths to come home. Kamaro’an has also opened a space in the capital last year. Located in Huashan 1914 Creative Park, it showcases their creations with various materials such as banana fabrics, betel nut, driftwood and more.
The ‘Riyar’ pendant light (or ocean in the Pangcah language) is part of the Umbrella Sedge Series. The sedge takes 4 to 6 months to harvest and it grows in crystal-clear water. By separating the skin from the inner fibers, craftsman Sumi Dongi avoids mildew problems, and makes the mats more delicate in nature.
The next step is the weaving of the umbrella sedge on structural metal frames to create lightings with a contemporary shape. This enables the craft to produce in a small but scaled system.
Each Riyar pendant light looks unique in every angle. Dimensions: 58 x 58 x 60 (cm).
