Akari 21A–15A Washi Pendant
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Two wide saucers, made to hang together. The 21A is 25.3 in across and only 10.8 in tall (64 × 27.3 cm); the 15A is 34.5 in (87.6 cm). Hung as a pair they layer light instead of competing for the ceiling.
| Size | 21A: Ø25.3 × H10.8 in (64 × 27.3 cm) · 15A: Ø34.5 × H13 in (87.6 × 33 cm) |
|---|---|
| Shade | Hand-spliced bamboo ribs, washi paper |
| Fitting | E26 · 20W warm LED included |
| Cord | Hardwire kit included; plug-in available |
| Craft | Value, Classic or Master |
↓ The craft behind them, 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.
Every shade is made to order. Nothing is mass-produced.
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 iconicAkari styleandJapandiwarmth into your home at an amazing value.
03The inner ribs are steel wire under a smooth plastic coating, wrapped in thin paper tape. With no joints to hide, this frame casts an even, clean glow — the most direct way into the same silhouette.
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Each lampshade Paper is handcrafted using traditional Japanese washi paper from Mino, Japan—a region world-famous for centuries of master papermaking. Sourced from a historic paper maker crafting since 1956, this is the exact same paper trusted by legendary Noguchi Akari lamp artisans. Its natural off-white tone softens the light into a warm, gentle glow rather than a cold white, bringing quiet wabi-sabi beauty and Japandi style to your home.
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Unlike cheap party lanterns, our home-grade paper lamps have every seam hand-trimmed before assembly. This keeps every seam super thin, smooth, and uniform. It takes longer time to craft a home‑grade paper lamp than to finish eight cheap party paper lanterns.
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True artisanal lighting demands patience. Unlike mass-produced paper lanterns, every panel of our Washi paper is meticulously hand-trimmed before assembly. This extra step ensures razor-thin, seamless joins and mathematically balanced proportions—giving the lamp its floating, pristine presence from every angle.
If I can put it together, anyone can. The instructions were just pictures, but they were so clear I didn't even need words. Feeling accomplished!
Way better than my NOGUCHI one. Materials are thicker and nicer.
Packaging was awesome! They really care about it arriving safe.
It was a very pleasant shopping experience. At first, I bought a 45CM diameter flat-style Noguchi lamp. Since it looked a bit small after taking it home, the customer service was very friendly. After communication, they patiently recommended a 55CM diameter one for me. The bedroom is 15 square meters with a minimalist style. Unexpectedly, after replacing it with the round Noguchi lamp, the effect after hanging it up is really amazing. The texture of the rice paper lamp is really good, and I especially like its color – it's not pure white, but a nice beige that brings a natural, original feel. The bamboo texture is also excellent. It looks great both when the light is on and off, and it's very photogenic in any casual photo. So nice!
lamp looks beautiful at a much lower price than the originals
Very nice light. I wish i got a bigger one but that’s on me!
Very nice but the cover plate was too small for standard U.S. junction box and I had to buy another one to use instead of the one you included.
Super easy to put together, looks fantastic. Very happy.
(Cafe owner) Perfect warm light for ambiance. Customers love it, super durable.
Looks minimalist and amazing. Totally changes the room's mood.
Super fast shipping, well made. Very happy with my purchase.
Warm light is perfect for bedtime reading. Very pleased.
I have a similar lamp from a famous Swedish store. This one is hands-down better. The materials are thicker and the overall feel is just more premium.
Light is so soft and perfect. Makes the room feel calm.
This light doesn't just illuminate; it creates a whole vibe. My living room feels 100% more sophisticated and cozy. Exactly the effect I wanted.
Makes my dorm feel like home. Perfect study light, easy install.
Super sturdy and well-made. Arrived super fast too. Love it.
Way better than the big store versions. Feels solid, not cheap.
Super easy setup, looks modern. Love the gentle light.
Gentle light, easy on my eyes. So simple to put together myself.
(Rental host) Great for my rental! Durable, great vibe for guests.
Wow, that was fast! Ordered it and forgot about it, then it showed up 5 days later. Pleasant surprise. The lamp itself is gorgeous.
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.
✓ Free Global Shipping✓ One-Year Craftsmanship Warranty✓ Carbon-Neutral Packaging
