Eclips – Shunji Yamanaka | Interviews

Eclipse is a pendant light launched by Maxray in 2011 with the theme of "absence of the light source." This light features an orthodox-shaped shade with dozens of LEDs skillfully concealed along its upper edge, creating the appearance that only the inner surface of the shade glows through reflection, even though there seems to be no visible light source. While contemplating how to suspend this shade from the ceiling, the designer, Shunji Yamanaka, recalled a product from Arakawa. By threading a single wire through the center of the shade and securing it with an ARAKAWA GRIP, the shade can be adjusted in height freely, making it suitable for both workspaces and dining tables. As a result, the simple and functional lighting fixture "Eclipse" was born, with only a single shade suspended from an ultra-fine wire.

Shunji Yamanaka

Shunji Yamanaka has been involved in the design of a wide range of industrial products, from wristwatches to railway vehicles, with perspectives from both engineering and art. He is also known as a pioneer in Japan for the large-scale introduction of IC card ticket gates.
In recent years, he has been actively contributing to the advancement of science in various fields by presenting numerous prototypes that utilize cutting-edge technology. In 2023, he was bestowed with the title of University Professor at the University of Tokyo.