As Movable as Butterflies: The Chochin of Japan

Appearing in the 16^th century to illuminate the narrow streets of Japanese towns and villages, chochin, mobile lanterns made of paper and bamboo, occupy a central place in Japanese culture and crafts.

Integrated into the compositions of artists influenced by the fashion for Japonism in Europe and the United States at the end of the 19^th century, these lights, fragile and ephemeral lanterns, became popular in the West in the 1950s thanks to Isamu Noguchi, who electrified them. Sold for a few dollars at Bonniers in New York, Noguchi's creations were very successful and were marketed in France by the Steph Simon gallery in the 1960s.

Round, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, the repertoire of shapes deployed by the chochin is limitless and makes them truly illuminating sculptures, white or decorated with painted motifs and inscriptions.

Their use over time invites us to understand the nature of festivals and rituals that punctuate life in Japan, and the particular relationship of its inhabitants to the light, as well as the strength and sustainability of their craftsmanship.

Through a selection of objects, prints and photographs, this work, which accompanies the exhibition held at the MADD, Bordeaux, from January 31, 2019 to May 19, 2019, presents the manufacture of these objects, their evolution and their adoption by designers since the 1950s.

Authors: Étienne Tornier (dir.), Damien Kunik, Anne Gossot, Constance Rubini

Size: 20.5 x 32 cm

72 pages

60 illustrations

spiral binding

Text in French only