Maru Surface (Sumi)

The Maru collection unites iconic Eastern and Western lighting traditions through thoughtful design and authentic craftsmanship. Our exclusive Japanese washi paper shades are handcrafted for us by a 90-year-old chōchin lantern atelier in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan—a region renowned for its paper heritage. Made from thick, premium washi in a warm cream tone, each shade embodies the depth and elegance of Japanese artistry.  Each Sumi shade is made from sheets of washi that have been hand-painted with traditional sumi black ink and white pigment in an abstract pattern. We pair these one-of-a-kind chōchin paper lanterns with U.S.-blown 12" opal glass globes, solid brass, and wood components to create a design that feels at once fresh and timeless. Please note that our Sumi shades are all hand-dyed and painted by artisans, so each piece is unique. They will vary from one to another, and we cannot mass-produce them with an identical appearance. Namesake: In Japanese, maru means "circle" or "round," and it often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or something cherished. Traditionally used as a suffix for ships' names, maru conveys wishes for good fortune and safe passage. In Japanese, sumi most commonly means ink, specifically referring to the black ink used in traditional arts like calligraphy and tattooing. Sumi can also be a part of names, such as Sumiko, where, depending on the kanji used, it means clear, pure, or is related to beauty or longevity.