"We find beauty not in the thing itself but in the patterns of shadows, the light and the darkness, that one thing against another creates." ― Junichiro Tanizaki
The finest ideas often emerge from spontaneous, unassuming conversations. This was how, a year and a half ago, Seda was born, a lamp created in collaboration with design and architecture studio MAYICE. Inspired by Japanese writer Junichiro Tanizaki’s reflections, it brings beauty not only to illuminated spaces but also to those touched by shadow.
At ÁBBATTE, we have long admired how MAYICE works with light, appreciating the subtle effects created as it filters through materials. When Marta Alonso and Imanol Calderón of MAYICE discovered the beauty of silk yarn while working on a museum project in China, it felt natural to create something together.
The lamp's name, Seda, is no coincidence. It originates from pure, virgin silk, an unprocessed fibre in its rawest state, fresh from the cocoon. Neither polished nor glossy, it carries a soft sheen and a rich texture that holds sculptural forms, like delicate works of art.
These forms do not begin with a fixed design but emerge gradually, shaped by the silk itself in a quiet dance of folds.
To honour the material, MAYICE designed a hand-blown glass chrysalis to encase the silk, elevating it like a precious jewel. Crafted by one of Spain's few remaining master glassblowers, each piece is shaped with rare skill, ensuring it remains both delicate and strong.
Yet Seda’s most captivating quality is its light. As it filters through the silk, it reflects off the glass with an iridescent glow, reminiscent of candlelight—soft, soothing, and warm. Beyond its beauty, Seda serves a purpose. It casts a gentle, intimate light that transforms spaces, exceeding even our own expectations.
Now, as the festive season is behind us and winter lingers, we find comfort in the quiet warmth of our homes, surrounded by the objects that bring us joy. We can think of no better moment to experience Seda.
Camila Lanzas,
Creative Director of ÁBBATTE
* Limited edition of 12 registered and numbered pieces.
Approximate measurements: 47 cm high x 62 cm circumference at its widest point.
Available online and at ÁBBATTE’s physical store.
All pictures by Paco Marín.
