Tobimatsu Toki | Studio Visit

Hirotaka Tobimatsu at the Tobimatsu Toki porcelain lighting studio

As we eagerly anticipate the opening of Casting Light, the inaugural North American solo exhibition of Tobimatsu Toki at our gallery, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey that has brought us to this moment. Our encounter with founder Hirotaka Tobimatsu approximately a decade ago, during a chance visit to a crafts fair in Japan, marked the beginning of a fascination with his work that persists to this day.

Tobimatsu Toki porcelain Fine Line Rod pendant hung at his studio

Tobimatsu’s studio, as captured in these behind-the-scenes photos from his atelier in Tokyo, is truly captivating. Stepping into his space feels like a journey back in time, to an era of scientific exploration and craftsmanship. The ambiance, reminiscent of an old-timey laboratory, is accentuated by rows of hanging lamps suspended above his work desk, casting a magical glow over the space.

porcelain shades resting on a shelf at Tobimatsu Toki's studio

split mold porcelain casts at the Tobimatsu Toki studio

Hirotake Tobimatsu pouring porcelain mixture into split mold porcelain casts at the Tobimatsu Toki studio

In a glimpse into his daily life and creative process, Tobimatsu shares how work seamlessly intertwines with family life. Beginning his day at 10 am and often working until 2 am, Tobimatsu’s studio becomes a hub of activity, not just for his creative pursuits but also for his child who spends much of the day after school alongside his father watching him work. With no clear boundary between work and home life, Tobimatsu’s studio embodies a holistic approach to craftsmanship and family.

Split Mold Casts at the Tobimatsu Toki porcelain lighting studio

Porcelain pendant lampshades at the Tobimatsu Toki porcelain lighting studio

Hanging porcelain pendant lamps at the Tobimatsu Toki studio

Reflecting on the origins of his path into lighting design, Tobimatsu draws inspiration from the nostalgia of antique lighting fixtures. His fascination with the warm glow of milk glass lampshades, now largely displaced by fluorescent lights, ignited his quest to reimagine lighting through the medium of porcelain. By harnessing the light-transmitting properties of porcelain, Tobimatsu has breathed new life into traditional forms, infusing them with contemporary design sensibilities. Through his creations, Tobimatsu not only honors the legacy of vintage lighting but also pioneers new possibilities for illumination that transcend time and trend.

Hirotaka Tobimatsu holding a porcelain split cast mold

Hirotaka Tobimatsu pouring a specialty blend of porcelain into a split cast mold

Close up of Hirotaka Tobimatsu precision carving a mold for the Square Fine Line pendant Nalata Nalata exclusive collaboration

Split cast mold for the Square Fine Line pendant

The Square Fine Line porcelain pendant - and exclusive Nalata Nalata collaboration.

In the midst of this setting, Tobimatsu diligently hones his craft. His pursuit of innovation permeates every aspect of his process, from the meticulous casting of each piece to the careful blending of materials to achieve the perfect translucency in his porcelain casts. Tobimatsu employs a fusion of porcelain and glass to enhance the translucency inherent in porcelain, a quality not typically achievable on its own. Additionally, he chooses to leave the pieces unglazed, a deliberate choice aimed at eliminating design constraints imposed by glazes while imparting a distinctive matte texture reminiscent of the delicacy of paper.

Hirotaka Tobimatsu adding finishing touches to the Baloon Table Lamp

Hirotaka Tobomatsu taking the Balloon Table Lamp porcelain pendant shade out of a kiln

The Balloon Table Lamp coming out of the split cast mold

Each piece is crafted using a split mold cast, entirely handcrafted and carved by Tobimatsu himself. Leveraging the natural occurrence of burr lines upon casting release, he integrates these features into his designs, resulting in pieces adorned with intricate fine lines and ridges, now emblematic of his distinctive style. The process is a delicate balance, as the images reveal, with each piece requiring precision and finesse to release from its molds unscathed.

part of the Ridge Drop Pendant lamp cast

parts of molds for Hirotaka Tobimatsu's porcelain pendant shades

Hirotaka Tobimatsu hanging and wiring porcelain pendants

As Tobimatsu prepares to showcase his latest designs at Casting Light, including the whimsical Balloon Table Lamp and our exclusive collaboration—the Square Fine Line Pendant—the anticipation is palpable. His work continues to captivate us with its blend of artistry, innovation, and reverence for tradition. Through his creations, Tobimatsu invites us to explore the transformative power of light and the boundless possibilities of creative expression.

Images courtesy of Hirotaka Tobimatsu and Kazuhiro Shiraishi

Written by Angélique Chmielewski

Angélique Chmielewski