The partnership between Japanese lighting firm Yamagiwa and Toyo Ito is a long and solid one; the firm has been working with Ito for years assisting with his architectural lighting projects  - yet this 'Mayuhana' collection is the very first product design outcome.

Following some good old fashioned trial and error in order to get them just right for production, there are now a total of fourteen types of the delicate Mayuhana lights available; from floor lighting to large scale pendant lamps.

Toyo Ito created the Mayuhana series by reeling string around a mold, rather like the way thread is spun off a cocoon.

Whilst striking, their construction means they give off a soft light glow, enhanced by the light coming through double and triple shelters. 

For Ito, the 'Mayuhana' series apparently does not refer specifically to Occidental nor Oriental design, despite their light being reminiscent of a traditional Japanese portable paper lantern, or 'Bonbori'.

Both geometric and non-geometric, their form is a sophisticated play; something Ito looks for in his architecture, where he is not restrained by existing boundaries.