Elisa Ossino fuses Japanese culture and modern lighting design to create ‘MADCO’

Japanese lanterns, referred to as chochin in the language, are recognisable representations of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and culture. They range in size and shape from modest cylinder lanterns to more elaborate ones with detailed designs. Japanese lanterns have been used for centuries to offer soft, ambient lighting in homes, gardens, and during festivals. Their soft, warm glow imbues every environment with a meditative, entrancing quality, rendering them an indispensable component of Japanese design and a classic symbol of the nation's abundant cultural legacy.

Italian designer Elisa Ossino has crafted a contemporary reinterpretation of the chochin lamp for the Japanese lighting design brand Ambientec. The lamp collection titled MADCO is defined as a lantern steeped in poetic minimalism where colour harmoniously converges with light. Commenting on the design of MADCO, the lighting designer relays, “I have a profound appreciation for Japanese culture, and with MADCO, my aim was to evoke a simple yet modern ambience that pays homage to both the past and the iconic imagery of these traditional luminaries. The variety of colours in which the lamp is crafted gives a distinct character to the design.”

The luminous centre of MADCO has an elegant and straightforward spherical shape with 360-degree rotation to provide a wide variety of lighting configurations. It rests neatly on a thin metal frame that also serves as a useful handle. Five warm tones – olive, peach, terracotta, mustard, and cherry comprise the lower cap, which houses the technological components and transformer. “MADCO’s roundness and its ability to pivot will make it a lively and empathetic object - a small character. While conceiving its design, I envisioned the round face of my daughter Maddalena, who also inspired the name,” shares Ossino.

With a high degree of waterproofing (IP66) and an easy USB-C connector for recharging, MADCO is a highly flexible lamp design that is conveniently portable. The product designer adds, “The lamp can be used on a table, next to a bed, or beside an armchair, and it can be effortlessly transported outdoors to create an enchanting atmosphere amid the flora. The handle also allows for easy suspension.” Whether it's embellishing a living room, bedroom, bathroom or balcony, MADCO adds a whimsical and playful touch of elegance to every space. It's also ideal for contract settings, such as the lobby of a hotel or an outdoor dining area.

In a photo shoot organised by Elisa Ossino Studio, Ossino further shares her interpretation of the lantern. The model wears MADCO as a fashion accessory, which eventually transforms into a clutch that can be carried wherever one pleases, producing an intriguing interplay between light and form.

MADCO is a physical manifestation of the harmonious fusion of technology, precision craftsmanship, and formal purity. The product design also bridges the gap between traditional Japanese lantern craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities. With its ability to create a serene and ambient atmosphere both indoors and outdoors, MADCO is a testament to the enduring appeal of Japanese lanterns, evolving and adapting to contemporary lifestyles while still paying homage to their timeless cultural heritage.