Jakarta, Indonesia

While accent lamps are often characterised by bold or eye-catching forms, the ROH Table Lamp takes a more restrained approach. The design draws attention through material choice and conceptual intent, rather than overt form. At its centre is a hand-blown red glass core representing ROH, or the “unseen spirit”, which serves as both the visual and symbolic focus of the piece.

The lamp reinterprets Chinese burial coins, objects historically used to guide souls to the afterlife, but now largely regarded as archaeological artefacts. By incorporating these coins into a contemporary lighting object, Rêmên explores how design can revisit and reinterpret culturally forgotten objects while maintaining the narratives embedded within them.

Named after the word ROH, meaning “the unseen spirit”, the lamp adopts a lantern-like form inspired by the belief that lanterns guide spirits to the next realm. The burial coins are positioned as central design elements, reflecting the dual symbolism they carry: fortune in the afterlife and misfortune in the world of the living. Through this contrast, the design invites viewers to reconsider how meaning can shift depending on cultural and contextual perspectives.

The ROH Table Lamp also incorporates cultural sustainability through the upcycling of Chinese burial coins, preserved in their original condition, including their distinctive green patina. Minimal material treatment is used to maintain authenticity and integrity.

“The lamp is produced through local metalwork and hand-blown glass, with most components crafted by artisans, rather than mass-produced, supporting local craftsmanship and a sustainable production process,” said Sylviana Putri, Rêmên’s founder.

Looking ahead, Rêmên plans to expand its collections by exploring other facets of cultural heritage through contemporary design. The brand is currently developing a new collection that combines human characteristics with Indonesian local wood carving, as it continues to position storytelling and cultural continuity at the centre of its design practice.

About Rêmên: Rêmên is an Indonesian design brand that brings cultural heritage to life through functional objects that tell stories and celebrate local traditions, translating cultural narratives into contemporary forms.