In Japanese, Akari (明かり) literally means “light” or “illumination” Isamu Noguchi chose this name to capture the warm glow and ethereal lightness of his famous paper lantern designs. As the Noguchi Museum notes, he called these pieces “Akari, a term meaning light as illumination, but also implying the idea of weightlessness.” The result is a lamp that almost seems to float in space, casting a soft, poetic glow. Noguchi himself described his Akari lights as “poetic, ephemeral, and tentative,” reflecting their delicate charm.
Beyond its literal meaning, Akari conveys an atmosphere of gentle brightness. These Akari paper lamps are handcrafted from Japanese washi (mulberry) paper stretched over bamboo frames. The translucent washi softly diffuses the bulb’s light, filling a room with a warm, natural glow. Like sunlight filtered through shoji screens, Akari lamps create a calm, inviting ambiance – much as Noguchi intended. As the Vitra design site explains, Noguchi chose Akari because it signifies both illumination and a feeling of physical lightness. In practice, an Akari lamp brightens a space without dominating it, evoking the quiet beauty of cherry blossoms or falling leaves.
Noguchi’s Vision: Blending Tradition and Modern Design
Noguchi’s Akari lamps are the perfect fusion of East and West. On a 1951 trip to Gifu – a Japanese town famous for its lantern and parasol craft – Noguchi collaborated with local artisans to create the first Akari light sculptures. These lamps were handcrafted by a traditional family workshop in Gifu (Ozeki Co.) using generations-old techniques. Bamboo ribs are woven over a wooden form, and natural washi paper is carefully glued in place. Once dried and the mold removed, each lamp can even fold flat for shipping.
The outcome is timeless. As the Noguchi Museum Shop puts it, Akari lanterns have become “icons of 1950s modern design,” a “harmonious blend of Japanese handcraft and modernist form.” Noguchi loved the simplicity and elegance of these lamps. By combining humble, natural materials with a clean, sculptural shape, he created lighting that feels both ancient and ultramodern. One reason these lamps endure is Noguchi’s own philosophy: “The essence of my work is to bring together the contradictions of East and West, of spirit and matter, of function and sculpture.” Akari exemplify this by being at once functional lights and beautiful art pieces.
Popular Akari Lamp Styles and Models
Akari lamps come in many shapes and sizes to suit different rooms. Generally, you’ll find:
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Akari Table Lamps (Akari 3X, 9A): Smaller lamps perfect for desks or bedside tables. These akari paper table lamps have compact washi shades and low stands, ideal for reading nooks or ambient table lighting. For example, the Akari 3X and Akari 9A are classic Noguchi-inspired table models with gently rounded paper shades.
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Akari Floor Lamps (UF3-31N, UF3-DL): Tall floor lamps that illuminate larger spaces. These models stand on legs (or a bamboo base) and carry a larger paper lantern. The Akari UF3-31N and UF3-DL are popular replica designs—each roughly 80–190 cm tall—emitting a soft glow at eye level. Some shoppers refer to these simply as a “Noguchi lamp floor” model.
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Akari Pendant/Ceiling Lamps: Hanging lanterns that act as a ceiling fixture. (While our main focus is on table and floor lamps, Noguchi’s collection also includes hanging lamps like the 25N series.)
All of our lamps are true Akari paper lamps, handcrafted in that traditional style. Whether you search for “akari lamps,” “isamu noguchi akari lamp,” or a specific model code, you’ll find faithful replicas. We even carry the exact models: Akari UF3-31N, UF3-DL, 3X, and 9A. (Pro tip: check our site for an “akari lamp sale” on select models!)
Why Choose CaptainsBamboo.com for Akari Lamps
When it comes to shopping for Akari-style lights, CaptainsBamboo stands out with a worry-free experience:
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Unbeatable Prices: We offer authentic Noguchi-inspired Akari lamps at the lowest prices among independent retailers. You won’t find better deals on comparable quality.
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Fast U.S. Shipping: Order from the U.S. and get free delivery in about 4–12 days. Our store advertises “Worldwide direct 4-12 days arrival” to the U.S.captainsbamboo.com, so you can enjoy your new lamp quickly.
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Hassle-Free Returns: We back every order with a 30-day worry-free return policy. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can return most items within 30 dayscaptainsbamboo.com. This 30-day return policy (as stated on our site) makes buying risk-freecaptainsbamboo.com.
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Long Warranty: Each lamp comes with a 24-month quality guarantee. We stand behind our products for two full years.
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24/7 Customer Support: Our friendly support team is available around the clock to answer any questions or help with your order.
Choosing CaptainsBamboo means shopping with confidence. We specialize in Noguchi-style lighting and pride ourselves on top-rated service. Customers love that we combine modern e-commerce ease with personal touches like detailed craftsmanship info and quick responses.
In short, CaptainsBamboo is your trusted source for Akari lamps because we deliver authentic style, great prices, and peace of mind. Browse our Akari floor lamps, Akari table lamps, and more to find the perfect glow for your home.
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