The Story Behind AKI: A Modern Oil Lamp with Ancient Roots
I designed AKI long years ago, but only in 2020 did I truly understand how powerful its light could be.
The pandemic revealed something profound: loneliness, fear of the unknown, and the silence we often run from are not modern problems—they are part of our common human condition. Like our ancestors in their caves, we found ourselves retreating into our homes, stripped of daily distractions, confronting what it means to simply be. In those moments, I realized the universal power of light—both literal and metaphorical. A lit flame evokes warmth, safety, home. It is a companion in solitude, a focal point for calm, a reminder that even in darkness, we carry a spark within us.
This is why I created AKI: an icon for common men and women, a ritual object that recalls our equal human condition, a modern fire artifact rooted in ancient wisdom.
The Quest for the Essential
When I set out to design AKI, I was inspired by Japanese aesthetics and their quest for the essential. I wanted an original shape—not a simple round globe or a revisitation of traditional oil lamps, but something that embodied simplicity, stability, and meaning. The Japanese are masters at combining heritage and tradition with a digital society, respecting the past while fearlessly embracing the future. This philosophy became my guide.
The mesmerizing triangular form of AKI emerged from this vision. Beyond its geometric beauty, the triangle symbolizes stability and transformation—the chemical symbol delta, which is also the classical symbol for fire itself. The shape is functional too: AKI fits comfortably in your palm, allowing you to cherish and protect its light, much like the light within ourselves.
I named it AKI—a short, elegant three-letter Japanese name carrying rich meanings: brilliance, sparkle, autumn, and hope. These are the emotions its flame seeks to evoke, reminding us of beauty in the transient and strength in resilience.
Less Is More
Throughout the creation of AKI, I let the "less is more" philosophy guide me, stripping away the unnecessary to focus on what truly matters. This approach led to an object that is not only beautiful but also practical, safe, and deeply meaningful.
AKI "I am a glass oil lamp—a modern interpretation of an ancient vessel, with a contemporary geometric form and pure, shimmering colors. My story goes much deeper than my Italian design and Czech handcrafting. I have existed in various guises for thousands of years, across numerous cultures and traditions. I speak many languages and come from many places. Though I have a long and varied past, I always look to the future, adapting to contemporary spaces and 21st-century needs. I am old, yet forever young".
Rooted in Nature
AKI is deeply rooted in nature. Made from glass—a material that can be recycled infinitely—AKI is as environmentally conscious as it is elegant. It's a multipurpose object that can be repurposed as a reed diffuser or a small flower vase, ensuring it remains cherished for years to come.
The packaging reflects the straight lines of bamboo rugs and sliding wooden walls of traditional Japanese houses, underscoring the connection to nature and craftsmanship. Each AKI is hand-blown by European master glassblowers using age-old techniques, ensuring every piece is unique—a testament to the artistry and care that go into its creation.
A Companion for Your Inner Journey
AKI was born to address something fundamental: our need to step back into our own world, to take care of ourselves, to collect confidence and energy when the outside world feels uncertain. In the company of fire, with a flame and its living presence, we can focus on what's essential for our life, on what gives us fulfillment while feeling safe in our homes.
The light of a flame helps us focus, calm down, and appreciate stillness when all distractions of hectic daily life are cut off. As our ancestors discovered around ancient hearths, fire is the great equalizer—a source of warmth, protection, and togetherness that transcends time, culture, and circumstance.
You can use AKI whenever and wherever you want: in your home, at gatherings, in meditation and wellness settings. "I am very adaptable, but I particularly enjoy forming part of your personal daily rituals. Light me at the start or end of your day, when you meditate, when you write in your journal, when you soak in the bath or sit down to read. How is entirely up to you".
Light in the Darkness
AKI is here to help you enhance your spiritual wellbeing. To find beauty, harmony, and joy in your everyday life. To step away from haste and noise, slow down, breathe more deeply, and enjoy precious time to yourself. To look inwards, ask yourself questions, and explore your emotions. To experience stillness, silence, and tranquility. To form a connection between your inner self and your physical surroundings.
"In short, I'm here to help you nurture your mind, body, and soul".
The pandemic made us understand that solitude and fear of the unknown are part of the overall human condition, even in the modern age. This new awareness enhanced our need to be connected with ourselves and others. AKI affirms a new power to silence—not as something to fear, but as a space for discovery and renewal.
Spark Your Inner Fire
Whether you light AKI during a gathering with friends or in the solitude of your personal sanctuary, its flame serves as a bridge—connecting you to your inner self, to nature, and to those around you. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, we carry a spark of light within us.
AKI is a discreet, elegant object that brings warmth and light into your life, helping you reconnect with what truly matters. It is a vessel of connection, drawing from centuries of tradition while adapting to modern needs. It is an icon for common people, a ritual object that reminds us we are all equal before the flame.
Spark your fire with AKI. Let it illuminate your path, nurture your soul, and inspire hope—one flickering flame at a time. Connect to your own light, and remember: you are part of an ancient circle, gathered around the same eternal flame.
