Collection: ROH — The ethereal breath of existence

Objects often lose their meaning when the values once they carried fade from collective memory. The ROH table lamp marks how cultural reinterpretation can restore meaning to forgotten objects. Traces of past civilizations in Indonesia appears in the discovery of many Chinese coins buried beneath the soil, especially in java island. Chinese burial coin, once believed to guide souls to the afterlife, these coins have gradually slipped out of ritual use and are now seen as historical artifacts.

Drawing inspiration from the Chinese belief that lanterns guide the spirits of the deceased to the next realm, Roh which means the unseen spirit, adopts the form of a lantern and Chinese burial coins as its primary design elements. The work examines the symbolic duality embedded in these coins—between the spiritual beliefs of the living and the dead. A symbol of fortune in the afterlife yet regarded as an omen of misfortune in the world of the living.

The ROH table lamp embodies the notion of the “unseen spirit” through a dynamic composition: a hand-blown red glass energy sphere placed at its core, representing prosperity in Chinese culture.

Air flowing through the installation moves each coin, casting shimmering light from the glowing sphere. This interplay of movement, material, and symbolism revives cultural memory, allowing the past to whisper once more.

The ROH table lamp embodies cultural sustainability through the revival of a forgotten material: the Chinese burial coin. Once buried and oxidized by time, these artifacts are respectfully upcycled into lighting pieces that carry meaning, memory, and material value. Each coin is kept in its original condition, including its green patina, honoring its tactile and visual character. Minimal treatment preserves authenticity and integrity. Beyond the object, ROH table lamp supports cultural continuity through local craftsmanship. Most components are handcrafted by artisans rather than mass-produced, reinforcing a sustainable socio-economic and cultural ecosystem. ROH table lamp is not only a product, but also a gesture: a celebration of connection between past and present.