Koi Carp, a source for contemporary design inspirations

As it is well known internationally the koi carp has a special meaning in the Japanese culture. Usually they are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens. Their shape and colors has inspired many in the most varied industries. Design is not exception and the koi carp appears from time to time as inspiration of some piece. The lighting design piece we are about to present you is one of those examples.

Measuring over three meters from head to tail and made entirely of wood, this spectacular light design by Valencia-based studio LZF Lamps is truly an achievement. The result of a long and exciting creative process that began back in 2009, the Koi Lamp is more of a sculpture than a lamp, made of dozens of veneer ‘scales’ and small wooden strips using a traditional Spanish woodcraft technique called ‘vareta’. This brilliant work of art was revealed in all its luminous glory during Euroluce/Salone del Mobile 2015 in Milan from 14-19 April (Pavilion 11, Stand C22).

The story of the Koi Lamp dates back to an early LZF Lamps design breakthrough when designer Luis Eslava created the Armadillo lamp using overlapping sheets of wood veneer. This very potent idea soon found its way into other products subsequently created by LZF, including their impressive ‘Koi Fabric’ comprised of large backlit sheets of overlapping veneer tiles that give off golden hues and create interesting degrees of transparency. From there, it was only a matter of time before the idea of a carp-shaped lamp was born through a collaboration with creative studio Inocuo The Sign, who created a short 3D film starring a mysterious wooden carp swimming in dark waters and feeding on light, presented during Euroluce in 2011.

In 2014, the LZF team felt it was about time to realise the Koi Lamp, based on the character design by Inocuo The Sign. However, in realising it, a practical problem arose, namely the need for a structure strong enough to hold the many pieces of veneer whilst conveying a sense of lightness and flow. LZF therefore turned to Manolo Martin, a traditional wood craftsman, who used the aforementioned ‘vareta’ technique to create the Koi Lamp’s skeleton and all the intricate details seen on its face and fins. Inside, the lamp contains a system of LED lamps to achieve its perfectly balanced illumination effect, as well as two Bluetooth systems that help adjust the lamp’s intensity remotely.