Akari Noguchi Lights - handmade paper light sculptures
Akari Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi are considered icons of 1950s modern design. Designed by Noguchi beginning in 1951 and handmade for over half a century by the original manufacturer in Gifu, Japan, the paper lanterns are a harmonious blend of Japanese handcrafting and modernist form. The lamps are created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, supported by a metal frame.
Noguchi began to design the Akari Light Sculptures in 1951. They were a group of works handcrafted out of shoji paper that eventually comprised over 100 different designs – table, floor and ceiling lamps. He chose the name 'akari' for these objects, a word that means 'light' in Japanese, connoting both illumination and physical lightness.
"The light of Akari is like the light of the sun filtered through the paper of shoji. The harshness of electricity is thus transformed through the magic of paper back to the light of our origin – the sun – so that its warmth may continue to fill our rooms at night." - Isamu Noguchi
Some of the lights have colourful shapes painted on the surface. Packed flat for easy shipping, the Akari package includes Noguchi’s patented metal wire stretcher and support system.
One of the most important artists of the twentieth century, Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) expanded the traditional notion of sculpture to include the creation of dance sets, gardens, playgrounds, fountains, furniture and lighting.
Within this range of spatial environments Isamu Noguchi’s Akari lights hold a unique place, expressing his Japanese American heritage in works designed to enhance the quality everyday life.
Some of the Noguchi Floor Lights have a bamboo pole and a black cast iron base.
The ceiling light collection is made up of 40 delicate sculptural shapes.
Recognizing an Original
A genuine Akari light will have a stamped red sun and half moon with Japan written under the symbol on the shade. Next to the symbol will be the signature "I. Noguchi". The lamps age gracefully due to the quality of the paper.
Support creativity and help protect the history of design and the future of innovation - always buy original and authentic designs.
Customers in the USA can purchase many of GRShop's products at ModernPlanet.com and receive the same great customer service and free shipping.
Noguchi began to design the Akari Light Sculptures in 1951. They were a group of works handcrafted out of shoji paper that eventually comprised over 100 different designs – table, floor and ceiling lamps. He chose the name 'akari' for these objects, a word that means 'light' in Japanese, connoting both illumination and physical lightness. "The light of Akari is like the light of the sun filtered through the paper of shoji. The harshness of electricity is thus transformed through the magic of paper back to the light of our origin – the sun – so that its warmth may continue to fill our rooms at night." - Isamu Noguchi Some of the lights have colourful shapes painted on the surface. Packed flat for easy shipping, the Akari package includes Noguchi’s patented metal wire stretcher and support system.One of the most important artists of the twentieth century, Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) expanded the traditional notion of sculpture to include the creation of dance sets, gardens, playgrounds, fountains, furniture and lighting.
Within this range of spatial environments Isamu Noguchi’s Akari lights hold a unique place, expressing his Japanese American heritage in works designed to enhance the quality everyday life. Some of the Noguchi Floor Lights have a bamboo pole and a black cast iron base. The ceiling light collection is made up of 40 delicate sculptural shapes.Recognizing an Original
A genuine Akari light will have a stamped red sun and half moon with Japan written under the symbol on the shade. Next to the symbol will be the signature "I. Noguchi". The lamps age gracefully due to the quality of the paper.
Support creativity and help protect the history of design and the future of innovation - always buy original and authentic designs.
Customers in the USA can purchase many of GRShop's products at ModernPlanet.com and receive the same great customer service and free shipping.