In 1951 Isamu Noguchi began to design the Akari Light Sculptures, works characterised by weightless luminosity. He chose the name 'akari' for these objects, a word that means 'light' in Japanese, connoting both illumination and physical lightness.
During a visit to Gifu, Japan, Isamu Noguchi discovered the town's paper lantern-making tradition. There he designed the first two Akari Light Sculptures. Over the following years, he created more than 100 designs, including table, floor and pendant lamps ranging from 24 to 290 cm.
Each luminaire is handcrafted in the Ozeki workshop, a family-run company in Gifu, Japan. Bamboo rods are shaped over Noguchi's original wooden forms to create the frame. Strips of washi paper, made from mulberry bark, are then carefully glued to the bamboo ribbing. Once dry, the wooden form is removed, allowing the shade to be folded flat. Each Akari Light Sculpture is packed in a specially designed flat box for easy shipping and storage.
Details:
Materials: handmade from washi paper, with end pieces in wood/bamboo and steel wire frame.
As each Akari Light Sculpture is handcrafted to order, lead times may vary depending on production and availability, please contact your nearest Urbansuite showroom or email us at sales@urbansuite.co.uk for more information.
