Ishikawa, Japan
NANAO CANDLEMAKERS
The Nanao Candlemakers are a family-run workshop in Ishikawa, Japan, preserving the tradition of Japanese plant-based candle making since 1892. Working with sumac wax harvested from the Japanese haze tree, along with rice bran and rapeseed oils, their candles are entirely plant-based and clean-burning. Each candle is shaped using traditional wooden and metal molds, then finished by hand. Their signature hollow wicks, made from dried rush and washi paper, create a tall, powerful flame that reflects centuries of practical refinement.
Once a thriving candle port, Nanao was home to many candle guilds that supplied light across Japan by ship. Today, this workshop stands as the last remaining keeper of that lineage, continuing to shape light through fire, patience, and living knowledge.
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Customer reviews
3" Sumac Candle Gift Set
- Susan V.Verified BuyerReviewingJapanese Gift Box - The Contemplation SetRated 5 out of 5 starsJapanese Gift Box - The Contemplation Set 5 Stars
This was a Christmas Gift for our son and daughter-in-law. They planned a trip to Japan for February 2026 and this gift was meant to be a peek into Japanese products before they left for their trip and first visit to Japan. They loved everything in the set. They were amazed at the candles and how they completely burned down with absolutely no dripping and no mess. They loved the scents of the incense; so natural. Highly recommend this set! It was certainly a big hit as a gift!