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These Scuptural Pendants Are Inspired by Japanese Philosophies

10.24.22 | By
These Scuptural Pendants Are Inspired by Japanese Philosophies

Designed by AOAO, an interdisciplinary studio in Amsterdam founded by Alicja Stryzynska and Onur Iseri, Wonder Things is a series of sculptural illuminated fixtures that are designed to evoke introspection and self-reflection. The collection, which currently consists of two pieces, is inspired by traditional Japanese concepts: ikigai and bosei.

pink sculptural gypsum light

The larger piece in the collection is Bosei, which translates to “motherhood.” AOAO wanted to create an object that represents both protection and comfort, so they designed a shape that looks and feels different from both sides to represent these two qualities of motherhood. Also made with gypsum, the walls of the lamp are reinforced with metal mesh and fiberglass to support the cutouts in the lamp. The outer shell seems quite monolithic and sturdy, symbolizing protection, while the interior of the lamp glows with golden orange tones, creating a sense of comfort and calm.

pink sculptural gypsum light

pink sculptural gypsum light

pink sculptural gypsum light

pink sculptural gypsum light

pink sculptural gypsum light

pink sculptural gypsum light

man woman and cat under sculptural light

white sculptural gypsum light

The Japanese concept of Ikigai roughly translates to “life’s purpose,” which serves as inspiration for the lamp. AOAO wanted to design a contemporary piece to represent this philosophy of well-being so they created a unique form made from gypsum that reveals an inner light. This light spreads throughout the object, illuminating the multi-toned surfaces differently from different angles. The concept is a physical metaphor that our own inner light, our true life’s purpose, can be deeply concealed.

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

cat under white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

white sculptural gypsum light

To learn more about Bosei and Ikigai, visit aoao.nl.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She's probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.