About Us
Our story is one of Japan meets Melbourne and a love of hand-crafted ambient art
Why We Started Daisugi Lanterns
In 2026 we mixed an appreciation of Japanese woodworking with award winning, stunning watercolor to create a new kind of aesthetic, emotional experience.
We made one, then another... & then we couldn't stop!
Watch our founder story here.
The Daisugi Journey
May 2026
Melbourne, May 2026. A random meeting, that lead to friendship.
Sam knows Japan. Mai Thi is an award winning artist, who loves Japan.
July 2026
The same wavelength, shared by two creators. Experimentation x design.
Some false starts. Some perfection amongst the noise.
Lots of fun!
August 2026
Going fast, then slow. Inspiration from Japan... and Italy, Melbourne.
Enjoying creating together and seeing what works 💎
September 2026
We launched and the feedback has been incredible. We made them for you 💓
Meet Mai Thi
Artist & Visual Director
Born 1984, Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam.
I completed two years of classical drawing at the historic Julian Ashton Art School, The Rocks, Sydney and
discovered my passion for drawing, watercolour and work on paper.
I studied Printmaking at the National Art School from 2008 to 2010 then established my home studio in Melbourne,
where I have been living and making work for commissions and group exhibitions in Australia and Viet Nam for the last decade. In 2018 to 2019 I spent 18 months in Palermo, Sicilia to expand knowledge in the Mediterranean cultures and art scenes. In 2019, I
returned to Melbourne with an enriched experience and continues to explore possibilities in my art practice.
www.maithitranarts.com
Meet Sam
Woodworker & Product Designer
After first living in Japan in 2006 for a working holiday, I ended up staying for many years.
I fell in love with Japan as I realised how deeply tradition runs through the culture. This developed an appreciation for the techniques, the Senpai - Kohai relationship, the food, and of course the people.
The traditional Japanese light Andon is my particular love. I've studied, reimagined and created so many now since I first saw my first fire-lit example in Wakayama.
Daisugi is our own approach to Andon and represents the best of Japanese tradition blended with gorgeous art created by the extremely talented Mai Thi.
