Analog Friends 07: Hiroko on Paper, Pre-18th Century, and Antique Markets
Hello, Analog Friends! This month, our shop assistant, Yuka, conversed with Hiroko from Lamp x Paperi Brocante—a Japanese stamp artists well-known for her vintage and delicate stamps and paper works.
In this series of Cafe Analog’s blog called ANALOG FRIENDS, we invite you to enjoy long-form reading at a slower pace (preferably with a cup of coffee, tea, or chocolate!)—while getting to know the people behind Cafe Analog’s products you love.
Enjoy!
The shelves in my office, where I usually pack your orders, are filled with lovely stationery worldwide. Whenever I come across a cute item while picking items, I find myself wondering, “What kind of artist created this?” As someone who draws myself, I understand the time and effort of making each piece. I’m sure every single item at Cafe Analog has been lovingly crafted by an artist. Many of you are also curious about the people behind the items you love.
That’s why I started collecting stories from Cafe Analog’s artists, focusing mainly on Japanese creators. The first artist I enjoyed talking to was Hiroko from Lamp x Paperi Brocante! With their charming vintage atmosphere, Lamp x Paperi Brocante’s products are always a favorite at Cafe Analog. We asked Hiroko about her inspirations and what led her to create these beautiful pieces!
Yuka: Hello, Hiroko! Can you tell us the inspiration behind your designs? They look so vintage and intricate!
Hiroko: I’m inspired by objects that have outlived their original purpose—faded, stained, or worn from long and careful use. Their tattered and ephemeral condition is beautiful to me. I especially love old French items from before the 18th century, which are often my designs’ motifs.
Yuka: When did you realize you wanted to be a designer/stationery designer? Was there a pivotal moment in your life that launched you into this career?
Hiroko: I started working as a stationery designer and online shop owner in 2016. After quitting the job I had been at for many years, I decided to pursue my dream of starting a small variety store. While thinking about what to sell, I remembered how much I loved “stationery” as a child.
I recalled my childhood when I would slowly collect memo pads, stickers, letter sets, and cards, carefully storing them in drawers and boxes to admire and use. That memory inspired me to try creating something with paper. The first thing I made was a small paper box. It took a lot of time to research methods and materials to match the image in my mind—considering things like the paper’s quality, the shape, size, color, and design of the box. But I remember the process being so much fun, and I was utterly absorbed in making it.
Yuka: What does Lamp x Paperi mean? Why do you choose this name?
Hiroko: “Lamp” comes from my love for light bulbs and lights, and it also symbolizes my hope that the works I create will be like a light that brightens someone’s heart. “Paperi” is Finnish for “paper,” and I chose it because I thought the sound of “Paperi” was cute.
The “x” in “Lamp x Paperi” has two meanings: “multiplying” and “intersection.” I originally worked under the name “Paper Design Shop Lamp.” I hoped that by “multiplying” my favorite material, “paper,” I could create more possibilities for my work. At the same time, I wanted my creations to serve as a meeting point (an intersection) for paper lovers to connect through shared inspiration.
Yuka: What do you do to fuel your creativity? Have you ever felt stuck or bored with your creative routines?
Hiroko: I surround myself with things I find beautiful, especially in my studio, where most of my creative work happens. I carefully select and display my favorite pieces there. Sometimes, inspiration flows effortlessly, and I can’t stop the ideas from pouring out. Other times, I feel stuck and unmotivated—usually because I’m overwhelmed or impatient…. When that happens, I step into nature to reset. The place where I recharge often sparks new ideas for my work. I genuinely believe relaxation is essential for creativity.
Yuka: Many of our customers are journal keepers who use your stamps to decorate their journal pages. Do you also keep a journal? If yes, what do you usually write about?
Hiroko: I love writing in notebooks, so I always carry a pen and notebook. Instead of keeping a diary of daily events, I jot down whatever comes to mind whenever inspiration strikes, organizing my thoughts as I go. I don’t decorate my pages much, but I really enjoy seeing others use my stamps to decorate their diaries. It’s fun to see how many people have multiple diaries, each with its own theme and purpose!
Yuka: When you created your products, what kind of people do you think would buy them, and how would they use them?
Hiroko: My works are created to appeal to people searching for “something that feels like it should exist but doesn’t”—something universal yet special. I also strive to design pieces that open up new possibilities for how they can be used, allowing them to be enjoyed on their own or combined with other items, even by those who engage in creative activities regularly.
Yuka: Is there a specific place in the world that you want to visit to gather inspiration/ideas? If yes, where? 😀
Hiroko: I’d love to visit old buildings and brocante markets (antique flea markets) across Europe.
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Whenever I see Lamp x Paperi Brocante products, it feels like discovering a beautiful brooch tucked away in an old drawer—a small treasure hidden in an unexpected place. Through this interview, I realized Hiroko captures the charm of well-loved, timeworn items in her creations.
Lamp x Paperi Brocante’s pieces bring a vintage atmosphere to your journal and are perfect for jotting down cherished memories or nostalgic thoughts. If you love visiting flea markets and antique shops or collecting vintage tea cups or trinkets, we think you will love the charm captured by Hiroko in her creations!
