Akari 75D–120D Washi Pendant
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Three big spheres, one proportion. 31.5, 39.4 and 47.2 in (80, 100 and 120 cm). The largest hangs almost four feet across — it needs a stairwell, a loft, or a room with nothing else competing.
| Size | Ø31.5 / 39.4 / 47.2 in (80 / 100 / 120 cm) |
|---|---|
| Shade | Washi over a rib frame |
| Fitting | E26 · 20W warm LED included |
| Cord | 79 in (200 cm) cord; custom lengths free |
| Craft | Value, Classic or Master |
↓ Sizes below.
Who makes this lamp. Every shade is hand-built in our own workshop. Three craft levels available: Value, Classic, and Mastercraft. The Mastercraft shades are hand-tied bamboo with hand-laid washi, built to the same standard as the original Akari. We are an independent studio, not affiliated with the Noguchi Museum.
Free worldwide shipping, duties included. Orders leave our workshop within 1–2 business days. Delivery takes 4–12 business days, with tracking emailed as soon as it ships.
30 days, no argument. Email hello@captainsbamboo.com within 30 days of delivery for a full refund to your original payment method.
Damaged or defective: we cover return shipping and send a replacement or refund — your choice. Send photos in your first message.
Changed your mind: return it in original condition and packaging; buyer pays return shipping. Refunds are issued within 7 business days of inspection.
Every lamp is made in our own workshop in Sichuan, in small batches — hand-laid washi over split bamboo ribs. Each one is checked for frame fit, shade integrity and socket safety before it ships.
One-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Send photos and we will repair, replace or refund — whichever you prefer.
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.
01Created 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.
02Built 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.
03This 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.
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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.
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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.
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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✓ One-Year Craftsmanship Warranty✓ Carbon-Neutral Packaging
