Keeping the Spirit of Aizu Alive — Aizu Erosoku Honpo Ozawa Rosokuten

Embrace the warmth of traditional Japanese light.

Welcome to the official website of Ozawa Rosokuten, a long-established candle shop in Aizu dedicated to the creation and preservation of Aizu hand-painted candles—a beautiful tradition that continues to illuminate Aizu with its timeless glow.

About Ozawa Rosokuten

Ozawa Rosokuten is a long-standing store that both manufactures and sells Aizu hand-painted candles, one of the region’s most cherished traditional crafts.

Step inside, and you’ll be surrounded by candles adorned with vivid floral designs—each delicately hand-painted on a pure white surface. These candles possess a serene beauty found nowhere else.

The Aizu hand-painted candle is said to be the inspiration behind the phrase “Kashoku no ten”—a wedding ceremony adorned with light.

Inside our shop, you’ll find handmade Japanese candles individually painted with seasonal motifs such as plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, and tree peonies. The production process remains unchanged since the age of the samurai: wicks made from Japanese paper and rush grass are coated in wax, shaped, and then decorated with elegant floral designs—all meticulously finished by hand.

In addition to purchasing our hand-painted candles, incense, and fragrant accessories, visitors can also enjoy hands-on candle-painting workshops and experience the charm of this living tradition.

What Are Aizu Hand-Painted Candles?

The art of Aizu hand-painted candles dates back over 600 years to the Muromachi period, and flourished under Lord Ujisato Gamo (1556–1595), the feudal ruler of the Aizu domain. Until the late Edo period (around 1867), these exquisitely decorated candles were regarded as luxury items reserved for the samurai class, often used in formal ceremonies such as weddings.

Alongside Aizu lacquerware and Aizu cotton, hand-painted candles were one of the region’s major industries during the Edo period. Supported by the Ashina, Gamo, Hoshina, and Matsudaira clans, they became highly prized works of art.

From the Meiji period onward, their beauty became accessible to everyone. Each candle—ranging from 15 to 36 centimeters—is crafted in naturally white wax and hand-painted with seasonal motifs like plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, peonies, and camellias. When lit, the flowers seem to bloom from within, casting a soft, graceful light that embodies the spirit of Aizu.

In the snowy Aizu winters, when fresh flowers could not be offered at family altars, these painted blossoms served as everlasting flowers, brightening homes and hearts alike.

The candles are made from natural white wax derived from lacquer and haze trees, bleached by sunlight. Unlike candles dyed artificially, Aizu candles retain their natural sheen and vivid colors, glowing warmly when lit.

Each design is painted using a traditional technique involving a natural protein coating called goshiru, which helps pigments adhere to the wax. Historically, the pigments were made by grinding minerals into fine powders.

The wick—made by wrapping rush grass around Japanese paper—has a hollow core, producing a larger, steadier flame than Western candles. Every candle is unique, handmade with care, and shaped in a gentle trapezoid form. The result is a work of art that brings peace, beauty, and tradition to any space.

Uses of Aizu Hand-Painted Candles

• For Events and Festivals
  In Aizuwakamatsu City, the Aizu Candle Festival lights thousands of candles in remembrance of those who perished in the Boshin War.
• For Weddings
  Candles are often inscribed with the names of the bride and groom and used in symbolic lighting ceremonies.
• As Gifts
  Offered during funerals, memorial services, or Buddhist ceremonies as expressions of respect and remembrance.
• As Interior Decoration
  Used to decorate dining tables and living spaces, adding warmth and elegance.
• For Household Altars and Grave Visits
  Cherished as offerings that honor ancestors with beauty and grace.

The Unique Features of Ozawa Rosokuten’s Candles

The hallmark of Ozawa Rosokuten’s hand-painted candles lies in their exceptional craftsmanship and balance of form and function.

Each wick is hand-shaped into a trapezoid, while the candle body tapers gracefully—thicker at the top and narrower at the base—creating a beautiful silhouette.

Every piece is then hand-painted with delicate floral motifs, rendered in the traditional Ozawa style known for its refinement and quiet elegance. When lit, the flame burns brightly and steadily without dripping, admired for both its aesthetic beauty and practical excellence.

Please enjoy the unparalleled handmade artistry of our Aizu hand-painted candles—an enduring symbol of Japanese craftsmanship and heart.

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