Brooklyn studio Tokenlights has designed a set of hand-blown glass pendants based on the fruit of a rare Japanese plant (+ slideshow).

"Named after a small and obscure fruit-bearing bush native to Japan, this collection is perfectly frumpy yet apt and appropriately refined," said Tokenlights of its new Gumi pendant.

Made of partially recycled glass, the fixture is offered in honey, aubergine and sage, in either a raffia or taffeta textured finish. Custom colours are available upon request.

The surface treatment is a nod to the 1940s glasswork designed by architect Carlo Scarpa.

The pendant lamps come in three shapes, dubbed Pooh, Dunce and Helmet. Heights and widths vary slightly because each piece is crafted by hand using blown glass.

The pendants are wired for standard incandescent, LED incandescent replacement or compact fluorescent bulbs. All fixtures are designed and fabricated in Brooklyn.

Founded this year, Tokenlights is owned and operated by Emrys Berkower, a glass artist and designer. He cites Italian glass-making techniques from the 17th century and mid-century modern design from Italy and Scandinavia among his influences.

"Our aim is to disseminate a distinctive style and philosophy of object making," said Berkower.

"Through the design and production of contemporary lighting and objects, we hope to provide customers with a catalyst through which they can draw meaningful conclusions about how to view their surroundings."

The studio is an offshoot of Token, an art and industrial design studio started in 2007 by Berkower and Will Kavesh, a sculptor and designer. Tokenlights focuses exclusively on creating lighting and table objects.