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Chōchin Lantern Kit

Name: Chōchin Lantern Kit
Brand: Yanase
SKU: POJ-YA-CH
Price: 5175 JPY
Availability: OutOfStock

¥5,175

¥6,900

Chōchin is a Japanese collapsible lantern traditionally made of washi paper wrapped around a framework of bamboo rings. While this kit does not use bamboo, you will gain insight into the Japanese art of lantern making. Instructions can be found on the following page.

About the craftspeople

We've collaborated with Kyo-Chōchin Minori, a 6th generation family business specializing in the making of Kyoto-style chōchin lanterns. Kyoto-style lanterns have a frame made of bamboo formed into loops that are equally distributed horizontally. When Kyo-Chōchin Minori was established, lanterns were still used for lighting, and chōchin shops were the equivalent of modern-day electronic stores. Today, there are only two lantern businesses left in Kyoto.

Kit includes

Washi paper
Wires 11x
Shiraki (wooden) lid
Shiraki (wooden) base with LED light
Metal handle
Brush
Metal fasteners
Masking tape
Yarn
Cardboard pillars
Cardboard bases
Cardboard clasp
H-shaped stands
Glue
Free self-paced class
(available on YouTube)

Self-paced Class

If you prefer written instructions, or both, you can download them here.

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Yanase Chochin

The Yanase family is a 6th-generation family business established in the mid-19th century, specializing in Kyoto-style chochin lanterns. Up until the 1800s, lanterns were used as light sources - making chōchin shops electrical shops.

Nowadays, lanterns are more commonly used as decorations for shrines, temples, and festivals. As the number of craftspeople with the skills of chōchin-making decreases, the Yanase family is working to train young craftspeople to inherit traditional techniques, as they pivot to crafting lighting for modern homes.

Made by

Yanase Chochin

The Yanase family is a 6th-generation family business established in the mid-19th century, specializing in Kyoto-style chochin lanterns. Up until the 1800s, lanterns were used as light sources - making chōchin shops electrical shops.

Nowadays, lanterns are more commonly used as decorations for shrines, temples, and festivals. As the number of craftspeople with the skills of chōchin-making decreases, the Yanase family is working to train young craftspeople to inherit traditional techniques, as they pivot to crafting lighting for modern homes.