THO

THO is a candle brand characterized by unique forms conceived through techniques used in ceramics. The candles are made by creating silicone casts from clay molds shaped by hand or with a potter's wheel, then pouring liquid soy wax into the casts and letting it harden. The rough texture of the clay is brought out by intentionally using coarse clay for the original molds and scraping them after molding. Conceived as a result are wax sculptures, which while minimalistic in form and eliminates elements of decoration, permeate with a quiet presence, and conveys various expressions depending on the angle from which they are viewed. The soy wax used is a 100% natural material made from soybean oil. Since it melts slowly at low temperatures, it is considered as being effective in purifying the air as well as creating a gentle flame. The brand name “THO” had been chosen for its sound and feeling, with also connections to the Japanese words “灯” (to) which means “to light a fire” and “陶” (to) for ceramics. The name truly seemed like a natural choice.

Designer Nanako Ibuki started THO with the idea of creating candles that are beautiful as objects even when not lit. Her aesthetic, honed through her previous career in apparel, as well as her continued interest for and appreciation of interior design and ceramics, led her down a new path of pursuing a creative practice. Since she originally started out making things with ceramics, she often takes inspiration for the shapes of her works from ceramic objects. The motif for her works is born from the perspective of coming across attractive shapes and wishing that they were candles. She does not have an overly fixed image of the shapes to begin with, but instead verifies them while working with her hands. She mentions how sometimes unexpected shapes are created by rounding the clay, pressing it against a board, or scraping it.

“1/f fluctuation” is a waveform that is present within natural objects such as sunlight filtering through trees, the sound of rain, and the murmur of a babbling brook. These waveforms are believed to have a healing effect that relaxes the body and mind. This “1/f fluctuation” is also observed in candle flames, which is why candles are said to calm people's minds and improve their concentration. While the most distinctive feature of THO's candles is their beautiful form as objects of art, Ibuki mentions that they essentially create “a healing and comforting light.” When the candle is lit, a pool of melted wax gradually spreads around the rising flame, and the overflowing liquid trickles down the sides of the candle to its base, where it hardens again. THO's candles are also beautiful in their gently changing appearance, and one’s mind feels calm and at ease if when gazing upon a natural object. A light that embraces and accompanies people in any situation, whether it be day or night, in rain or shine, during work or relaxation. Ibuki wishes to deliver such light through her candles.