Japanese "Warosoku" candles are traditional Japanese candles that have been used for centuries in various cultural and religious practices. These candles are made from natural materials such as washi paper and plant-based wax.

These candles are typically used in Japanese temples and shrines, but are also popular in homes as a source of light and for decoration purposes. The candles are hand-made and have a thick wick that creates a warmer, more intense flame than that of Western candles. This is why candle holders in the right size can be of benefit. The Warosoku in our shop are hand-painted with beautiful decorations, so they make for great gifts and souvenirs. 

Candles & Holders

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  • MATSUI Candle Snuffer with Four Leaf Clover Candle Snuffer with Four Leaf Clover
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    Candle Snuffer with Four Leaf Clover

    Japanese handcrafted candles have a very strong, wind-resistant flame, which may be difficult to blow out. That is where this beautifully designed candle extinguisher from Matsui comes in handy! With a four leaf clover and a nicely curved handle, it will...
    £19.76
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  • Yamaguchi Kyujo Beautiful Brass Candle- & Incense Holder "TOMOSU" Yamaguchi Kyujo Beautiful Brass Candle- & Incense Holder "TOMOSU"

    KYUJO

    2-in-1 Candle- & Incense Holder TOMOSU

    This candle and incense holder is a simple and beautiful additional to your home shrine, but it also can be used as home decoration. Place it beside a window or bedside to create your own special place. The round bottom rocks slightly to prevent it from...
    £71.50
  • 2-in1 Singing Bowl & Candle Holder "RINDLE" 2-in1 Singing Bowl & Candle Holder "RINDLE"

    KYUJO

    2-in1 Singing Bowl & Candle Holder RINDLE

    This unique piece of Japanese craftsmanship combines a traditional singing bowl and candle holder in one. This singing bowl lets you listen to a beautiful, gentle sound, while the flickering flame will support your relaxation and/or prayers. The idea...
    £125.84 - £171.60
  • Brass Candle Stand RAPESEED Brass Candle Stand RAPESEED
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    NOUSAKU

    Brass Candle Stand "RAPESEED"

    This adorable candle stand made by NOUSAKU  is inspired by the shape of Rapeseed blossoms. Small in size, it makes for a very elegant piece of art that will beautifully light up your room or dinner table. To create a stand that would work with...
    £14.30
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  • Decorated Glass Candle Stand Decorated Glass Candle Stand

    HIROTA GLASS

    Decorated Glass Candle Stand

    This stunning item by traditional glassware specialist Hirota is a beautiful addition to any household and a unique gift to your dear ones, or yourself! The warm wood and detailed glass will provide a breathtaking view when the candles are lit up!...
    £68.64 - £143.00
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.20, CAGE

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.20, CAGE

    Matsui Candle Atelier has been established in 1907, and manufactures traditional Japanese-style candles with environmentally-friendly ingredients. The company exercises particular care in selecting high quality raw materials. Valuable plant-derived Japan...
    £321.36
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.27, Round, Long Handle

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.27, Round, Long Handle

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is round shaped, with a long handle, which makes it easy to move the candle, and looks impressive. It is made of cast iron and supports Matsui candles size 3, 5, 10, 20.Matsui Candle Atelier has been...
    £32.76
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.29, Square, Long Handle

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.29, Square, Long Handle

    Matsui Candle Atelier has been established in 1907, and manufactures traditional Japanese-style candles with environmentally-friendly ingredients. The company exercises particular care in selecting high quality raw materials. Valuable plant-derived Japan...
    £35.36
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.5, Simple Design

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.5, Simple Design

    Matsui Candle Atelier has been established in 1907, and manufactures traditional Japanese-style candles with environmentally-friendly ingredients. The company exercises particular care in selecting high quality raw materials. Valuable plant-derived Japan...
    £72.07
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.7, Classical Design

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.7, Classical Design

    Matsui Candle Atelier has been established in 1907, and manufactures traditional Japanese-style candles with environmentally-friendly ingredients. The company exercises particular care in selecting high quality raw materials. Valuable plant-derived Japan...
    £138.16
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.8, Asymmetric Design

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Holder NO.8, Asymmetric Design

    Matsui Candle Atelier has been established in 1907, and manufactures traditional Japanese-style candles with environmentally-friendly ingredients. The company exercises particular care in selecting high quality raw materials. Valuable plant-derived Japan...
    £72.07
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand for Large Candles, "NO. 11"

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand for Large Candles, "NO. 11"

    Matsui Candle Atelier has been established in 1907, and manufactures traditional Japanese-style candles with environmentally-friendly ingredients. The company exercises particular care in selecting high quality raw materials. Valuable plant-derived Japan...
    £311.12
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Marui, "NO. 3"

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Marui, "NO. 3"

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is round shaped. It is made of cast iron and supports candles size 3, 5,10 (for other sizes, please inquire). The black iron contrasts beautifully with the white or red Japanese candles and the foot...
    £21.84
  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Bear
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Bear

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is shaped like a bear! It is made of cast iron and is ideal for candles size 3, 5 and 10. The black iron beautifully contrasts the white or red Japanese candles and the handle makes it easy to carry...
    £23.40
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  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Butterfly
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Butterfly

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is shaped like a butterfly! It is made of cast iron and is ideal for candles size 3, 5 and 10. The black iron beautifully contrasts the white or red Japanese candles and the handle makes it easy to carry...
    £23.40
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  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Cat
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Cat

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is shaped like a cat! It is made of cast iron and is ideal for candles size 3, 5 and 10. The black iron beautifully contrasts the white or red Japanese candles and the handle makes it easy to carry...
    £23.40
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  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Dog
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Dog

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is shaped like a dog! It is made of cast iron and is ideal for candles size 3, 5 and 10. The black iron beautifully contrasts the white or red Japanese candles and the handle makes it easy to carry...
    £23.40
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  • Matsui Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Ginkgo Leaf, NO.1
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    Matsui Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Ginkgo Leaf, NO.1

    This beautiful stand for Japanese warosoku candles is shaped like a ginkgo leaf. It is made of cast iron and is ideal for candles size 3, 5 and 10. The golden dot sets a beautiful accent on the back iron, which also emphasizes the white or red color of...
    £23.40
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  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Heart
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Heart

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is shaped like a cute heart! It is made of cast iron and is ideal for very small candles. Due to the shape, it even looks cute on your table or desk without any candles. It is a little work of art...
    £13.00
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  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Leaf, NO.2

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Leaf, NO.2

    Matsui Candle Atelier has been established in 1907, and manufactures traditional Japanese-style candles with environmentally-friendly ingredients. The company exercises particular care in selecting high quality raw materials. Valuable plant-derived Japan...
    £23.40

WAROSOKU

People often assume the difference between Japanese and Western candles is the shape. It is true that the often used Ikari shape - wide at the top and narrow at the bottom - is a distinguishable feature of many Japanese candles, but that is just the beginning of what makes them special. 


To really understand warosoku (wa= Japanese,
rosoku= candles) and appreciate the art,
you must look at the inside!

One important unique feature is the is the wick. 


Most western candles have a thin cotton string, whereas authentic Japanese wicks are made from Japanese paper (washi) wrapped in Igusa grass (used for tatami matts) and cotton fibers.

 

This creates a much larger, warmer flame that dances around for hours.    

The history of Japanese candles dates back to the 14th century. The traditional methods and ingredients have remained the same over the years, which also means there are just a small number of craftsmen left able to make them.

 

Warosoku have always been an important part of Buddhist temples and altars. As the Buddhist lifestyle prohibits intentionally killing animals, these candles are completely plant-based and vegan.
Where most Western candles rely on beeswax or animal fat, warosoku are made with plant derived fats called Mokuro,which is grown in Southern parts of Japan with a warmer climate.


This wax is mainly used for Warosoku and bintsuke, the mix to dress sumo wrestler's hair,
and is made in small batches by traditional makers. As with many traditional crafts industries, both the traditional wax producers and the warosoku masters are struggling to survive; one cannot continue without the other. 

To be classified as an authentic Warosoku, the candle must be "clearly stated to be manufactured with domestic pure vegetable wax" and "all processes are done manually". One way to check this is to look at he tree-rings (looking like baumkuchen), as this effect can only be created by rolling them by hand and not by using a mold.