Beyond the Standard Paper Globe
THE MAKING OF AKARI
Designed not as a seasonal novelty, but as a timeless light sculpture meant to anchor modern living spaces.
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Oversized spherical paper lanterns for rooms with real volume. Hand-tied bamboo ribs, Mino washi paper, and a frame held under tension so it keeps its shape instead of sagging over time.
| Model | Diameter | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 75A | Ø 29.5 in (75 cm) | Standard living rooms, 6–8 seat dining tables, master bedrooms |
| 80A | Ø 31.5 in (80 cm) | Larger dining tables, open living areas |
| 90A | Ø 35.4 in (90 cm) | Open-plan layouts, loft apartments, medium double-height ceilings |
| 100A | Ø 39.4 in (100 cm) | Double-height spaces, large foyers, long dining tables |
| 120A | Ø 47.2 in (120 cm) | Luxury voids, stairwells, commercial showpieces. This is the largest we make. |
Every lamp ships with a 79 in (200 cm) black cord. It can be cut to any length — and if you need something longer than 200 cm, message us when you order and we will supply it free of charge within a reasonable length.
The 120A is 47.2 in (120 cm) across. Hung from a standard 8 ft ceiling it would occupy almost half the distance to the floor — it will not look wrong, it will look overwhelming. A room needs roughly 10 ft or more of height, or a genuine double-height void, to carry a shade this size.
If you are between two sizes, go smaller. A 90A in a large room reads as deliberate; a 100A in a small one reads as a mistake. Send us your room dimensions and ceiling height and we will give you a straight answer.
All five diameters come in three build levels. The difference is in how the shade is made, not how it looks in the room.
The shade is built on a hand-formed bamboo skeleton held under tension, then covered in washi paper from Mino, Japan. The paper's natural fibres diffuse light unevenly rather than passing it straight through, which is why the glow reads as soft instead of flat. Bamboo keeps the whole structure light enough to hang from a standard ceiling box.
Backed by a 12-month quality guarantee on the frame, wiring and shade structure, plus a 30-day return window from delivery. If anything arrives damaged, photograph it and email us — we replace it or refund you, and we answer within 2 business days.
Free shipping worldwide. Made to order in 1–3 business days, delivered in 4–12 business days, tracked from the workshop.
1.FREE
2.ONLY Need 4-12 Days
30-Day Easy Returns: If you’re not satisfied, request a return within 30 days of delivery for a full refund to your original payment method.
How to Start: Email banzhuduizhang@gmail.com or use the returns form at Checkout → Orders with your order number and photos (if applicable). We’ll send simple return instructions and an RMA number.
Defective or Damaged Items: If the item arrived damaged or has a manufacturing defect, we’ll cover return shipping and send a replacement or full refund—your choice—once verified. Please include photos in your initial message.
Change of Mind / Fit Issues: Returns for non-defective items are accepted; buyer pays return shipping unless otherwise agreed. Items must be returned in original condition and packaging.
Inspection & Refund Timing: Once we receive and inspect the item, refunds are issued within 7 business days. You’ll receive an email confirming the refund.
Missing Packaging / Restocking: Items missing original packaging, missing parts, or showing obvious misuse may be subject to a partial refund or a small restocking fee.
Warranty: We back our products—see the Manufacturing section below for warranty details and how we handle repairs/replacements.
Questions? Contact banzhuduizhang@gmail.com — we respond within 24–48 business hours.
Handcrafted & Small-Batch: Each lamp is produced in small batches by skilled artisans using traditional hand-craft techniques to ensure consistent finish and character.
Materials: We use premium lightweight papers and sustainably sourced frames (e.g., bamboo/wood), selected for durability and warm light diffusion. Materials are chosen for both aesthetics and longevity.
Quality Control: Every piece passes a multi-point inspection — frame fit, shade integrity, wiring and socket safety, and packaging — before it leaves the workshop.
Safety & Compatibility: Fixtures are built to standard electrical safety practices and are compatible with common bulb types. Always follow local electrical codes and the included installation instructions.
Sustainability & Packaging: We prioritize responsible sourcing and ship in protective, recyclable packaging designed to minimize transit damage.
Repairs & Warranty: We offer a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. For warranty claims, email banzhuduizhang@gmail.com with photos; we’ll evaluate and provide repair, replacement, or refund options.
Lead Times & Custom Work: Most items ship quickly; custom or special finishes may take an extra 1–3 weeks. We’ll confirm timelines at purchase.
Meticulous Hand-Trimmed Detail
THE MAKING OF AKARI
Designed not as a seasonal novelty, but as a timeless light sculpture meant to anchor modern living spaces.
Mastercraft Edition (Hand-Tied Bamboo)
Created for design lovers and collectors, this museum-quality edition recreates the iconic Noguchi Akari frame using natural Sichuan bamboo—sourced from the home of pandas, famous for its bamboo heritage. Every thin bamboo rib is tied by hand with fine white thread at every joint. This classic technique brings out authentic wabi-sabi detail, making your Japanese paper floor lamp a true work of art.
Classic Edition: Natural Bamboo
Built from natural bamboo, this edition uses invisible connectors at every joint for a clean, seamless look. Over time, the bamboo changes color, growing warmer and richer—just like red wine aged in oak barrels. It brings iconic Akari style and Japandi warmth into your home at an amazing value.
VALUE Edition: Eco-Friendly
This edition features inner ribs made from recycled PET resin wrapped in thin paper tape. This special Recycled material reduces shadows caused by the frame for a cleaner glow, while reducing the burden on the environment.
Home-Grade Lamps vs. Party Lanterns
Unlike simple party lanterns, home-grade paper lamps have every seam hand-trimmed before assembly. This keeps every seam super thin, smooth, and even. In the time a new maker finishes eight party lanterns, a master with ten years of experience is still carefully crafting just one home-grade lamp.
Authentic Washi Paper Heritage
Crafted from premium Washi paper made in Gifu Prefecture, Japan—a region celebrated for its centuries-old papermaking tradition., honoring a legacy of craftsmanship. Prized for its exceptional translucent fiber structure, this authentic material naturally balances organic tactile richness with long-lasting structural strength.
The Warm Off-White Glow: Unlike stark, bleached synthetic lighting, our Washi paper features a natural, soft off-white tone. Its delicate plant fibers gently diffuse harsh light into a soothing, golden-hour ambient glow.
For the same sphere size, a smaller opening keeps the lamp rounder and fuller over time. However, making a smaller opening is much harder and costs more to produce.
Our Special 85mm Bottom Ring
The original 75A–120A models use bottom rings between 100mm and 145mm. To create the cleanest bottom detail, Captainsbamboo made every 75A–120A model with a smaller 85mm bottom ring. It was a huge challenge, but we made it work.
Unlike mass-market paper lanterns designed as temporary party decor, every CaptainsBamboo light is built as a furniture-grade architectural piece. We pair authentic Japanese Washi paper (sourced from a historic studio in Gifu operating since 1956) with flexible, resilient frameworks hand-ribbed by master bamboo artisans in Sichuan, China. Each shade undergoes precision edge-trimming prior to assembly, guaranteeing ultra-narrow, uniform seams and a flawless form that won't warp over time.
When cared for properly, our paper lamps are designed to last for many years, even decades. Authentic Washi paper is renowned for its strength and longevity—unlike common wood-pulp paper, it resists yellowing and brittle breakdown. Over time, the natural fibers gracefully age, developing a soft, warm vintage character that enhances its timeless beauty.
While it looks delicate, our Washi paper is surprisingly tough. Made using traditional long mulberry fibers, it possesses exceptional tensile strength and flexibility compared to standard paper or cheap paper lanterns. While you should handle the shade with reasonable care during setup, it easily withstands normal household handling without tearing or puncturing.
We strongly recommend using warm-toned LED bulbs (2700K – 3000K) with a standard E26/E27 base. LED bulbs generate minimal heat, making them energy-efficient and completely safe for Washi paper. A warm LED accentuates the subtle natural texture of the paper and the organic silhouette of the inner bamboo frame.
Our paper lampshades are designed for maximum versatility. They fit seamlessly with standard light cord assemblies—whether you choose a hardwired ceiling cord set for a permanent overhead installation or a plug-in swag cord for versatile placement anywhere near an outlet.
We use genuine Japanese Washi paper crafted in Gifu Prefecture, Japan—a region world-famous for centuries of papermaking heritage. Sourced from a renowned mill established in 1956, our paper retains its natural, unbleached off-white finish, offering superior light diffusion and organic texture.
Authentic Washi paper is instantly recognizable by its rich tactile feel and light diffusion. When illuminated, you will see delicate, organic fiber patterns suspended within the paper, creating a soft, ambient glow. Cheap alternatives typically use stark bleached-white printer paper or synthetic non-woven fabric, which look flat, cold, and harsh when lit.
Cleaning your lamp is quick and effortless:
Yes, assembly takes less than two minutes! Every shade arrives flattened for safe shipping. Simply expand the paper shade gently and insert the internal bamboo expansion frame to lock it into its perfect spherical form. Clear, step-by-step instructions are included in every box.
No. CaptainsBamboo is an independent design studio and manufacturer. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Isamu Noguchi, The Noguchi Museum, or Vitra. Our lamps are original, handcrafted lighting sculptures created in tribute to traditional Asian paper and bamboo craftsmanship, designed to bring accessible, heirloom-quality light into modern homes.
✓ Free Global Shipping✓ Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty✓ Carbon-Neutral Packaging