ROH Table Lamp explores how cultural reinterpretation can restore meaning to forgotten objects. Inspired by Chinese burial coins discovered across Indonesia, particularly in Java, the design draws on their symbolic duality: once believed to bring fortune and guide spirits in the afterlife, yet often regarded as an omen in the world of the living. Meaning “unseen spirit,” ROH adopts the form of a lantern, referencing the belief that light guides souls to the next realm. At its core, a hand-blown red glass sphere symbolizes prosperity and spiritual energy. Airflow moves the suspended coins, creating shifting reflections and bringing the object to life. ROH also embodies cultural sustainability by respectfully upcycling authentic burial coins while preserving their original patina. Handcrafted by local artisans, the lamp connects material heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary design—allowing forgotten cultural memories to find new meaning in the present.
