Casting Light
An Exhibition of Porcelain Pendant Lighting by Tobimatsu Toki
May 17 – 26, 2024
Nalata Nalata is pleased to present, Casting Light: An Exhibition of Porcelain Pendant Lighting by Tobimatsu Toki. This collection, comprising over 36 distinct lighting forms, is a testament to artist Hirotaka Tobimatsu’s unwavering dedication to his craft.
Born in 1980 in Saga Prefecture, Japan, his journey into the world of porcelain artistry began with a profound appreciation for traditional milk glass lanterns. Inspired by the nostalgic glow of these luminous artifacts, Tobimatsu embarked on a quest to revive their enchanting allure through the medium of porcelain and his unique blend with glass to increase their translucency.
Drawing upon ancient casting techniques and modern design sensibilities, Tobimatsu’s creations transcend mere functionality, inviting viewers to rediscover the magic of twilight. Each pendant, meticulously handcrafted with delicate ridges and subtle burr lines—a result of the split mold casting process—exudes a timeless elegance that speaks to Tobimatsu’s reverence for tradition and innovation.
With an unglazed, matte texture, he aims to create pendants with a soft presence to emphasize their three-dimensionality by night and day.
Casting Light also unveils several new designs, including an expansion into table lamps and an exclusive collaboration with Nalata Nalata—the Square Fine Line SS Pendant. This intricate cube-shaped pendant introduces a rare shape to the repertoire, as it can only be achieved due to its extra-small size, where a large square shade would distort considerably.
We are proud to introduce this piece and observe Tobimatsu’s continued ability to express porcelain’s boundless possibilities as a lighting material.
Shop the Exhibition
Porcelain Pendant - Fine Line Cone M
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Medium Fine Line Cone Pendant. All of the room’s beauty is shone under my cone.
$620 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Square Fine Line SS
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Nalata NalataI am a Fine Line Square Porcelain Pendant. Like a puzzle in plain sight, my compact square form conceals a labyrinth of intricate ridges. Small in size but grand in detail, you'll unravel my secrets with each glance.
$650 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Ridge Wheel L
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Large Ridge Wheel Porcelain Pendant. You won’t find my wheel spinning but I’m as fast as the speed of light.
$950 USD
Ridge Drop S Porcelain Table Lamp
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Ridge Drop Porcelain Table Lamp. A droplet of light and a droplet of porcelain come together to make me a droplet of splendor.
$695 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Draped Slim
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Draped Slim Pendant. Cloaked in mystery, my shape bends expectations, and my glow? It leaves you wondering where reality ends and magic begins.
Starting at $550 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Polygon Double M
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Medium Polygon Double Porcelain Pendant. There are many sides to me that connect end to end. Where each edge meets, light doubles and joy multiplies, revealing the magic of unity within.
$1,430 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Ridge Drop L
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Large Ridge Drop Porcelain Pendant. Make a memorable impression with my bold ridges—where every angle catches the light and leaves a lasting glow.
$780 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Fine Line Drop S
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Small Fine Line Drop Porcelain Pendant. There is nothing finer than attention to detail. When innovation and craftsmanship meet, you get an illuminating idea.
$575 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Accordion S
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Small Accordion Cone Pendant. A symphony in illumination, with an accordion's rhythm and a cone's grace, I'll orchestrate a melody of light and shadow in your space. Prepare to be dazzled by the harmony of form and glow.
$540 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Stepped Bottle
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Stepped Bottle Porcelain Pendant. Find in me a tale of ascent, where tiers stride with ridges up a stairway to light's embrace.
$550 USD
Abacus Porcelain Table Lamp
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am an Abacus Porcelain Table Lamp. It's easy to do the math here. Porcelain plus light equals mesmerizing.
$730 USD
Porcelain Pendant - Shaved Triangle L
Hirotaka Tobimatsu for Tobimatsu TokiI am a Large Shaved Triangle Porcelain Pendant. Looking for a pendant that is tri-lightful and edgy with geometric flair? Look no further as I am your beacon of light.
$740 USD