Kawabi Studio: Modern Lamps Inspired by Chinese Heritage

Traditional lanterns hold profound cultural significance in Chinese heritage, serving as symbols that guide ancestral spirits, attract prosperity, and ward off negative influences. For Irisa and Aaron Chan-Kawabi, the visionary founders of New York's Kawabi design studio, these illuminating objects also embody a sense of belonging and identity. Their work seeks to redefine the narrative of these traditional artifacts within a contemporary context.

Aaron pondered the evolution of cultural typologies, noticing that lanterns encountered in the United States often adhered to a predictable, symmetrical design in red or white. This observation resonated with his and Irisa's personal journeys as part of the diaspora. Irisa, born in China and raised in Massachusetts, and Aaron, a Brooklyn native whose parents emigrated from Hong Kong, shared a similar bicultural experience. This shared background prompted them to envision a lantern that authentically represented their unique bicultural narratives.

Transforming their dialogue into tangible creations, the duo embarked on designing their own lamps. Drawing inspiration from affordable shades and traditional Japanese lantern-making techniques, their designs diverged from conventional symmetry, embracing irregular and asymmetrical forms. This collaborative approach, stemming from their friendly rivalry at Parsons School of Design, culminated in the establishment of Kawabi in 2024, after years of independent practice where Irisa specialized in product design and Aaron in fabrication.

The Chan-Kawabis consider their lamps to be cross-cultural artifacts that narrate their relationship and personal histories. Their creative process is deeply introspective and hands-on, often revealing the full extent of their artistic intentions only after extensive discussion and critique. The 'Souvenir' lamp, an early creation featuring a kozo paper lantern within a wooden frame, arose from their need to furnish their home with pieces that resonated with their aesthetic. This led to a series of lamps inspired by bonsai trees, legumes, and folding screens. Irisa emphasizes their studio's fascination with uncovering forgotten stories, especially those that bridge generational gaps and reconcile challenging memories. For Aaron, incorporating Japanese techniques is a way to forge a new connection with his heritage, distinct from the experiences of his elders who lived through the Japanese occupation of Canton. Their work with ceramic artist Christopher Merchant on the 'Amica' collection further exemplifies their commitment to exploring new materials and incorporating diverse perspectives. Kawabi's creations illuminate the nuanced experiences of diasporic Americans, affirming that while heritage is integral, home is where they are now.