Takazawa Sumac Tohaku Candle - Large

Elegant, meditative, and deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, the large Takazawa Sumac Tohaku Candle is a handcrafted wa-rousoku candle made using natural sumac wax and centuries-old candle-making techniques. Created by Takazawa Candle, one of Japan’s oldest traditional candle makers, the Tohaku Candle embodies the quiet beauty and refined simplicity central to Japanese living.

Named Tohaku, meaning “white foil” or “pale brilliance,” the candle is designed to evoke a soft, luminous atmosphere through its large, gentle flame and understated natural form.

The Tohaku Candle is individually handcrafted using wax derived from the berries of the Japanese sumac tree, a traditional plant-based material long valued for its exceptionally clean and stable burn. Unlike conventional paraffin candles, sumac wax burns with minimal smoke and soot while producing a larger, softer flame that flickers beautifully and naturally.

At the heart of each candle is a traditional handmade wick crafted from washi paper, rush grass, and silk fibres. This unique wick structure allows air to circulate through the flame, creating the distinctive movement and brightness that define authentic Japanese wa-rousoku candles.

The large size of the Tohaku Candle enhances its visual presence, making it particularly suited for moments of stillness and atmosphere - from evening dining and tea ceremonies to meditation, hospitality, or quiet relaxation. The warm natural light creates a calming ambience that gently transforms the surrounding space.

Minimal in appearance yet deeply expressive in experience, the Tohaku Candle reflects Takazawa’s commitment to craftsmanship, natural materials, and intentional living.

Due to each piece being made from natural Haze wax, candles come in an array of soft colours, such as, off white, muted grey and muted ochre.

Key Benefits:

• All-natural and sustainable: Made entirely from plant-based materials, with no synthetic wax or additives. 
• Clean, stable burn: Because of the natural sumac wax and traditional wick structure, these candles produce very little soot or drip - and they burn with a pleasing, stable flame. 
• Large, warm flame: The hollow washi-wick allows for a bigger, gentle flame compared to many Western-style candles. 
• Handcrafted artistry: Each candle is made by a master artisan using a Tegake technique - applying wax manually in layers, then drying, and repeating many times. 
• Eco-conscious design: Produced by a century-old traditional studio using sustainable 

About Takazawa Candle:

Founded in 1892, Takazawa Candle is one of Japan’s oldest remaining traditional candle makers, based in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture. For over a century, the company has specialised in handcrafted wa-rousoku — traditional Japanese candles made from natural plant-based waxes such as sumac, rice bran, and rapeseed oil.

Takazawa Candle is renowned for preserving historical candle-making techniques while collaborating with contemporary designers to create objects that honour tradition in modern living. Their candles are celebrated for their large, gentle flames, minimal smoke, and meditative ambience.

Today, Takazawa continues to embody the Japanese values of craftsmanship, simplicity, and intentional living, producing timeless objects designed to bring warmth and stillness into everyday life.

Quietly sculptural and beautifully understated, the Takazawa KOMA Candle Stand – Large transforms candlelight into an elegant ritual of calm, craftsmanship, and atmosphere.

Care Instructions:

• Lighting: For best results, light the candle horizontally for the first few moments, then place upright in a non-flammable holder. 
• Extinguishing: Avoid blowing out hard - use a gentle breath, or ideally a snuffer, to prevent wax splatter and soot. 
• Wick maintenance: If the wick grows long or curled, trim it down (to around 1 cm) using tweezers or a wick trimmer to maintain a clean burn. 
• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. Sumac wax is sensitive to heat and humidity, which can soften the candle. 
• Residue notes: Over time, you might notice a fine white “bloom” or powder on the wax surface — this is a normal characteristic of sumac wax, not a defect.

Dimensions: 1 Candle is included - W 24mm x H 140mm - ideally paired with the Takazawa KOMA Iron Candle Stand - Large (available separately). 

Burntime: c240 min per candle

Materials:

• Wax: 100% natural HAZE (sumac) wax, harvested from sumac berries
• Wick: Hand-rolled core of washi paper, rush weed, and silk fiber - traditional Japanese construction
• No stand is included / available separately