Seki-Han Floor Lamp

Design

Seki-Han reflects Tobia Scarpa’s exploration of the relationship between construction, material, and light. The structure is defined by two large vertical ash-wood panels, joined by chrome-plated metal fittings and arranged around a central linear light source.

This unique construction draws inspiration from naval woodworking techniques, resulting in curved surfaces that preserve the natural quality of the material while adhering to a precise geometry.

Even when the two panels are completely closed, a slender sliver of light remains visible between the elements, creating a poetic effect and ensuring the lamp remains a compelling presence, even in its most compact configuration.

Lighting and Functionality

The two ash-wood blades can rotate around the central light source, progressively altering how light is distributed throughout a space.

Depending on their orientation, the lamp can provide:

- Direct light
- Indirect light
- Symmetrical light distribution
- Asymmetrical light distribution

This versatility makes Seki-Han a dynamic lamp, capable of shifting from open, diffused illumination to more focused, atmospheric lighting effects.

The linear LED source was custom-developed for this project and is dimmable via an integrated control, allowing the light intensity to be adjusted to suit various needs.

Materials and construction details

Wood is the central element of the design, defining both its visual identity and the way it interacts with light.

The lamp combines:

- Two vertical ash wood blades
- Chrome-plated metal connectors
- A base made of raw black iron
- A spacer collar between the base and the blades
- A central tubular light source

The contrast between the tactile quality of the ash wood, the raw surface of the base, and the brilliance of the chrome-plated connectors highlights the lamp’s structural character and the precision of the original design.

A historic design, reissued

Designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1963 and relaunched by Flos in 2025, Seki-Han brings into the present a project in which woodworking serves as a tool for controlling light.

The name is derived from a traditional Japanese rice dish associated with special occasions—a reference that adds to the lamp’s evocative character. Indeed, Seki-Han bridges two seemingly opposite realms: the immateriality of light and the concrete, tactile presence of wood.

Versatility and adaptability

With the ability to adjust both orientation and light intensity, Seki-Han adapts to different moments and spatial configurations.

It is particularly well-suited for living rooms, conversation areas, reading nooks, and spaces where the lamp also serves a sculptural function. The adjustable blades allow the atmosphere to be altered without moving the fixture itself, simply by changing the interplay between the light and the wooden surfaces.

Its strong design identity also makes it suitable for lounges, hospitality settings, and contemporary interiors where natural materials and historic design play a central role.