Dried gourds are the sole source of these delightful lamps. Delicately and precisely drilled holes make the patters on the surfaces. Lights that funnel through those tiny holes reflect against the interior walls and floors, and are absolutely delightful and elegant. The beauty of those lamps is distinctive, even without the lights on, and can be seen and enjoyed as a piece of interior decoration.
Masayo Matsumoto, in her mid-20fs, led her life devoting to create these lamps. She began her work in her hometown in Kumamoto prefecture in Japan, but eventually relocated her work place to Bali, Indonesia. There, she met her future husband, a Bali native, Saka, and they married in April of 2004. Fascinated with Masayofs work with the gourds, Saka began to learn the lamp creation. Since then, Inyoman Saka has become a life partner of Masayo Matsumotofs, privately and professionally.
Delightful and pleasant design ideas for gourd lamps come from different places Masayo Matsumoto visits and travels to, and the experiences she encounters there. Her work is largely influenced by her travels to the European countries, the old Japanese tradition, and the unique Bali climate along with Sakafs input and ideas.
Masayo and Saka hope to continue creating fun-filled, interesting lamps together. They share the same motto and goal: [Everybody who sees our gourd lamps will have a sense of peace in his/her mind.]
| Masayo Matsumoto |
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| 1974 |
Born in Nara
In her early 20's, Masayo traveled to Europe. When she returned, she moved to Okinawa and was introduce to gourd lamps.
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| 2000 |
First Solo Exhibition, Naha City, Okinawa
Solo Exhibition, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
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| 2001 |
Returned home to Kumamoto and began cultivating gourds for her work with the help from her family and neighbors
Awarded Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Gold Prize: The 26th Convention of Japan Gourd Lovers Association
Participated in Kyushu Women's Exhibition
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| 2002 |
Solo Exhibition, Traditional Arts and Crafts Hall, Kumamoto
Selected at Everyday Crafts Exhibition, Kumamoto
Silver PrizeF The 27th Convention of Japan Gourd Lovers Association
Solo Exhibition, Oita City, Oita
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| 2003 |
Solo Exhibition, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka |
| Saka |
|
| 1979 |
Born in Bali, Indonesia |
| 1997 |
Worked at an art-shop. Studied traditional painting. |
| 2002 |
Began learning the lamp creation with Masay |
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