8. How do I clean my paper lamp?

Cleaning your lamp is quick and effortless:Regular Maintenance: Gently dust the shade using a feather duster, a soft dry microfiber cloth, or a soft-bristle brush.Alternative Method: You can also use a hairdryer set to cool air on a low setting to gently blow away collected dust.Note: Avoid using water, liquid cleaners, or damp cloths, as moisture can alter the tension of hand-crafted paper.

Akari E Washi Pendant

$360.00 USD

8 reviews

Promotion for new customers——extra 5% off ——

Plug type matched to your country.

Free warm LED bulb included

Size

Craft level

Eco-Friendly Material

1-Year Warranty

Safe Packaging

Free LED Bulb Included

Nearly three metres of paper, in three sections. A stack of cones and spheres that owns the height of a room. Measure your ceiling first — the large needs 10 ft.

Size	Small H68 × Ø11.8 in (175 × 30 cm) · Medium H98 × Ø16.9 in (250 × 43 cm) · Large H122 × Ø20.8 in (310 × 53 cm)
Shade	Split bamboo ribs, washi paper
Fitting	E26 · 20W warm LED included
Cord	79 in (200 cm) cord (cut to length)
Craft	Value, Classic or Master

↓ Ceiling guide 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.

Nearly three metres of paper, in three sections. A stack of cones and spheres that owns the height of a room. Measure your ceiling first — the large needs 10 ft.

Size	Small H68 × Ø11.8 in (175 × 30 cm) · Medium H98 × Ø16.9 in (250 × 43 cm) · Large H122 × Ø20.8 in (310 × 53 cm)
Shade	Split bamboo ribs, washi paper
Fitting	E26 · 20W warm LED included
Cord	79 in (200 cm) cord (cut to length)
Craft	Value, Classic or Master

↓ Ceiling guide below.

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.

Full shipping policy →

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.

Full return policy →

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.

Inside our workshop →

Meticulous Hand-Trimmed Detail

Handcrafted

Sculptural

Vision

Built with the idea that a lamp is a living sculpture. Honoring Isamu Noguchi's core philosophy, each piece is shaped by hand to bring quiet, organic art into your living space.

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.
The original look. Made with curved wood joints, hand-tied bamboo thread, and the unique natural pebble shape.This classic technique brings out authentic wabi-sabi detail, making your Japanese paper floor lamp a true work of art.

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.
Great for everyday use. Features clean direct glue joints and a classic balanced shape at a lower price.

Natural Pebble Shape

The middle section has a gentle, uneven pebble curve. Inspired by real river stones, this natural shape brings soft and peaceful beauty to your space.

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.

Classic Bent-Wood Frame

Made using the original curved wood connection method. This structure keeps the lamp light, strong, and smooth with no heavy metal parts.
A detail easily missed by classic paper lamp lovers. More than just simple glue, this frame uses a clever interlocking wood design inspired by traditional mortise-and-tenon craft. It makes the structure lighter, far more stable, and naturally smooth.

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.

Two Museum Pendant Akari E Lamps in different lengths, hung beside a staircase — Captains Bamboo

FIND YOUR GLOW

5 stars: 8 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Excelent

Excelent

Does the job.

Well-made, no nonsense. Does its job well. Arrived on time.

Good buy.

Changed my whole entryway feel in like 10 minutes. Amazing.

Not bad.

Took the full 10 days, but worth the wait. Feels high-end.

Sweet!

Took a chance, so glad I did! Nicer in person, easy setup.

Thumbs up.

The light color is perfect warm white. Makes everything look good.

Loved the shipping updates. Knew when it'd come. Packed well.

I appreciated the shipping updates. Knew exactly when it would arrive. Packaged with great care.

Heavier than I thought! Feels stable and really well-made.

Heftier than I expected, in a good way. Feels stable and well-made, not like it will tip over easily.

WHY CAPTAINSBAMBOO?

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:

Regular Maintenance: Gently dust the shade using a feather duster, a soft dry microfiber cloth, or a soft-bristle brush.
Alternative Method: You can also use a hairdryer set to cool air on a low setting to gently blow away collected dust.
Note: Avoid using water, liquid cleaners, or damp cloths, as moisture can alter the tension of hand-crafted paper.

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.

✓ Free Global Shipping✓ One-Year Craftsmanship Warranty✓ Carbon-Neutral Packaging