Concept

Bamboo has a ‘poor man’s’ image. By combining it with other materials, value can be added. India is one of the richest textile countries in the world. This lamp is a real Indian bamboo product because of this combination.

The textile consists of two layers. The outer one is a transparent white textile with flower embroidery. The light comes through, so you see the embroideries clearly. The second layer is orange cotton, to give the light a warm color and hide the bulb.

The textile is caught by two bamboo rings. The rings are so tight, there’s no need of any connection, glue or joint. The lamp hangs on the wire of the bulb, which is fixed in a bamboo cross.

Specifications

The bulb is a 25 Watt, pearl candle from Philips. Cotton textile can stand the heat.

The rings are formed with a jig (metal tube). To make the outer ring, a one millimeter material should be placed around the inner circle, so there’s a natural space between the two rings to place the textile.

The inner ring has a diameter of 20 centimeters. The textile has a surface of 40x75cm, dependent of the size of the inner ring. The textile needs to be stitched in a round tube. The inside stitches have to be done carefully too.

Developing ideas

The textile is not suitable for transport as it crushes. Other textiles can be explored like cotton silk, cotton viscose or crushing cottons. Another option is to let the buyer assemble the lamp, and make roll of the cotton in transport.

In Kutch, a very nice technique in with cotton is used which works well with light (see picture). This textile is my favorite, maybe again in combination with colored cotton on the inside.

Summary

o Combination of bamboo and textile
o Indian character
o Foldable
o No joints, very few glue
o Simple construction