NANAO CANDLES TAKAZAWA

The Nanao candles are inspired by the shapes of plants that grow near Nanao City, Japan where the candles are made. The burn time is 110 minutes. Also available as a five pack. 

Takazawa candles are made by melting sumac wax over a wood fire. The wick is made by winding dried rushes around hollow cord of wa-shi (Japanese paper). The hollow core of the wick allows oxygen to be drawn up from the bottom so that the flame consumes more melted wax, thus increasing the combustion power and creating a powerful flame. The shape of the candle is made by pouring melted wax into wooden or metallic molds. After the wax has set, it is removed from the molds and finish shaping by hand with a small knife.

Takazawa Candle has been making candles from the inspiration of plants such as the fruits of sumac tree, rice bran, and rapeseed flower oil since 1892. The first candles in Japan were brought in from China in the 8th century and made from bees wax. Bees wax, as a material, it was not familiar to the Japanese so they tried to make candles from the wax derived from plants. The sumac wax was soft and easy to form into the shape of a candle and so by the 16th century it had become the standard material for candle-making in Japan.

Takazawa candles’ flames are bigger and brighter than other companies. The flame comes from a special wick made from a unique recipe dating back to the 16th century, and it is the symbol of ancestral wisdom. At a time when there were no electric lights, light means candles, and a lot of thought was put into making candlelight brighter. Our wick is made from plant-based materials such as dried rush and washi-paper, thus symbolising the beautiful relationship between our ancestors and nature.