Cachalot
Category: Lighting
Contact us
Cachalot, rechargeable portable lamp designed by Yoshiki Matsuyama – photo credit Yume Takakura
”Cachalot” evokes the majestic and gracious form of a whale. It is a sculptural light, a fine example of the synthesis of cutting-edge illumination technology, precise artisan craftsmanship and high-quality materials, along with its poetic design.
- Yoshiki Matsuyama / Designer
His fascination with light began early. After working in digital imaging, he followed his passion for the depths of the ocean and began research into the field of professional lighting for underwater photography. Challenges included making equipment that would resist water pressure at depths of up to 100 meters, and complete waterproofing. The rise of modern devices led him to reflect on ways to move beyond the “disposable” mentality of the culture of mass production and toward a more honest, balanced and sustainable relationship between people and objects. In the wake of the earthquake that struck Japan in 2011, he decided to create a new kind of indoor lamp, one that people could take with them into any space or setting. A visionary concept of a portable, indestructible, reliable light with integrated LED technology that would also be comfortable and charming. A poetic sort of light is at the heart of all Ambientec’s designs, one that is never harsh or cold, but that carries on a friendly dialogue with the space it illuminates. Yoshinori Kuno is passionate about sound and the rarefied sonorities of electronics, and wanted to create a light that would caress the dark and encourage an intimate atmosphere for listening. A light to bring beauty into a space even when turned off. Wireless, thus personal by definition, Ambientec lamps invite you to reach out and touch them both physically and visually, through an experimental design based on an intense purity of form and the vivid sensory qualities of their materials.
The way of lighting that is close to people's hearts and lifestyles
When Yoshiki Matsuyama, product designer, was asked by Ambientec to design a new portable lamp with a "creature motif," the world was in chaos due to the Corona disaster.
As Matsuyama contemplated the way the lights should be in order to be close to people's hearts and lifestyles, the image of a sperm whale swimming leisurely in the vast ocean came to his mind.
The fundamental and universal relationship between people and lights
The light from "Cachalot" blends with the sleek lines of the shades to create a symbolic light that emerges into the night space, adding a rich, life-like color to the various spaces in your life.
”Cachalot" reminds us of the fundamental and universal relationship between people and light in our daily lives.It naturally eases loneliness and anxiety and makes us feel gentle and calm.
Selecting materials for long-lasting use
The crystal-clear sperm whale, which can be expressed only with highly pure acrylic, shines naturally in the bright sunlight during the daytime and gently accompanies people in their daily lives.
This is not a transient phenomenon, but the essence of Ambientec, a proof of pure beauty born from careful craftsmanship and selection of materials for "long-lasting use" as with other products.
Original light source developed for "Cachalot"
The rod (cylindrical LED light source), which emits a warm light symbolizing life, ins an original light source developed for "Cachalot".
The frame has extremely fine detailing with precious metal working.
Pure, crystal clear acrylic light shade
The light shade, in the shape of a transparent sperm whale, is made of high purity acrylic using a special molding process.
Zinc die-cast base that stands out for its beauty
The base is a massive zinc die-cast with copper-plated finish.
