ZBOZHZHA fuses recycled cardboard, clay, and minerals for biodegradable pendant lamps

ZBOZHZHA looks to nature and japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics

Sustainable design studio ZBOZHZHA presents its inaugural collection of pendant lamps that pay tribute to nature and the land from which they originated, while drawing inspiration from the Japanese aesthetics of wabi-sabi. Eco-friendly and biodegradable, the Pershy and Patchvara lamps are made from a distinct material fusing recycled cardboard, clay, and minerals, available in array of textures, sizes, and colors for dynamic compositions. Further, they express organic forms and textures embracing the unexpected imperfections cast by the hand-crafted process, aligning with the philosophy of wabi-sabi which values beauty in simplicity and naturalness.

Patchvara pendant lamps in two textural finishes | all images courtesy of ZBOZHZHA

pershy and patchavara lamps embrace imperfect textures

ZBOZHZHA’s co-founders and designers Ivan Kruk and Mikhail Moyseyuk have crafted the Pershy and Patchvara lampshades from a special proprietary technology that blends design, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness. To achieve an eco-friendly material that would not limit creative expression, the design duo experimented extensively with composition. The result was a combination of recycled cardboard, clay, and minerals, providing a canvas for their exploration of shapes and textures. The textures themselves bear distinct Belarusian names that reference natural inspirations, such as tree bark, sea foam, and animal fur, inviting both visual appreciation and tactile interaction.

While the lamps may appear visually simple, their creation involves a complex process entirely carried out by hand. Multiple stages of shaping, drying, and applying textures come together to create the lamps’ imperfect finishes which are embraced by the designers for their individuality. The collection was further primarily designed for interiors in the wabi-sabi style. ‘However, the lamps can seamlessly blend into many other styles, they can either support and complement the overall interior concept by providing localized illumination or become its central element. Just combine, for example, several PERSHY lamps in different sizes and textures,’ notes Mikhail Moyseyuk.

Beyond pendant lamps, ZBOZHZHA studio is expanding its assortment of lighting designs, with plans to create a collection of vases and other home décor items from a mix of recycled cardboard and chamotte clay, further embracing their commitment to eco-friendly practices and nature-inspired aesthetics.

Pershy pendant lamp with Futra texture

Pershy pendant lamp with Vuley texture

Futra texture

Pershy lamp with Vir texture

Patchvara lamp with Dreva texture

Vuley texture

Pershy Vir pendant lamp

Dreva texture

Patchvara lamp with Futra texture

Patchvara pendant lamps

Pershy pendant lamps

project info:

name: Pershy and Patchvara Pendant Lamps

designer: ZBOZHZHA

design team: Ivan Kruk and Mikhail Moyseyuk

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom