Paper lights are everywhere in today’s marketplace (for example, IKEA’s VÄTE Table lamp), yet there’s still something entirely special about the original designs of Isamu Noguchi. Icons of mid century design, each Akari lamp is handmade from washi paper and bamboo ribbing by the original manufacturer in Gifu, Japan. In the words of Noguchi, “the harshness of electricity is thus transformed, as if by magic, into the light of our origins – sunlight – so that it’s warmth can carry on filling our rooms after dark.”
Also, while looking around for images, I ran across this video (below) showing a craftsperson constructing a lamp, which is slightly hypnotic.
Video found via greg.org
Table Lamp Model 2N, $105.00
Table Lamp Model 1A, $105.00
Floor Lamp Model UF3-Q, $495.00
See (and purchase) the collection at The Noguchi Museum.
Updated; originally from our archives (posted Apr 7, 2011).
Available from The Noguchi Museum, .
