Akari 55A Washi Pendant
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Our Grand Akari 75A–120A covers the oversized codes in the same silhouette and the same three craft levels — built for double-height rooms and voids.
The round one. Eleven diameters, one proportion. A soft paper globe that turns a bare bulb into an even wash of light. Most rooms land on the 23.6 in (60 cm); a double-height entry is the only place the 47.2 in (120 cm) stops being too big.
| Size | Ø11.8–47.2 in (30–120 cm) across; custom sizes on request |
|---|---|
| Shade | Hand-laid washi over a rib frame |
| Fitting | E26 · 20W warm LED included · dimmable |
| Cord | 79 in (200 cm) black cord; hardwire kit or plug-in |
| Craft | Value, Classic or Master (hand-tied bamboo) |
| Option | 2 LIGHTS option: two complete lanterns + two cord clasps |
↓ Frame, paper and finish — up close 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.
The 55A is a Japanese paper lantern in the Akari tradition — a washi paper lamp built around a spiral of bamboo ribs, then finished by hand. Unlike mass-market paper lanterns, every shade here is glued and shaped one at a time, so the surface stays even and the light stays soft when the bulb is on.
It is a replica, handcrafted in our own studio in Sichuan. We are not affiliated with the Noguchi Museum, and we say replica plainly: an original 55A is a museum piece, this is the version you can actually live with.
People often search for a rice paper lamp. Washi is made from the bark of the paper mulberry, not from rice — it is stronger than rice paper, holds its shape around the frame, and turns a warmer tone as it ages.
It is a complete pendant lamp. Each order includes the washi shade, a 200 cm black cord, a canopy, and an E26 socket with a 20W warm LED. It hangs from the ceiling and does not sit on a base.
No. Washi is paper, and paper does not survive rain or long exposure to direct sun. Keep it indoors, and away from damp rooms such as uncovered bathrooms.
Dust it with a soft dry brush, or a vacuum on its lowest setting without touching the paper. Do not wipe it with a damp cloth — water will mark the paper permanently.
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 iconic Akari style and Japandi warmth 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.
Perfect size for the middle of my living room and really lights up the whole space when you get a color changing bulb.
I just got it on a whim, you know. But when I set it up after receiving it, I realized all those little details I was worried about were actually no big deal. Like the seams and the loose threads. It's really worth buying. I highly recommend it to y'all.
Amazing quality and materials. Beautifully crafted and looks great in my space. A great sense of care regarding packaging the contents and timely arrival.
It's amazing how one light fixture can change the entire feel of a small space. My entryway went from blah to beautiful in 10 minutes flat.
Looks high-end but affordable. Materials are great, not flimsy.
Love the way this light looks! It was easy to install.
Doesn't feel trendy, feels like a classic piece that'll last.
Had a question about the bulb type before buying, and customer service replied quickly and helpfully. Great product, great service.
Good quality and fast shipping. Very happy with this lamp.
It makes the room feel so warm and inviting. It's like a constant, gentle hug of light.
Perfect soft light for reading. Easy to put together too.
The soft light is just gorgeous. Makes me happy looking at it.
Looks great and the quality is good. Easy to assemble.
Way better than I expected for the price. Outstanding.
It's a well-made product. No nonsense, no gimmicks. It does what it's supposed to do and does it well. Arrived within the promised window.
I took a chance based on the photos, and I'm so glad I did. It's even nicer in real life. The quality is excellent, and it was so easy to set up.
Really nice light, creates a good mood. Easy to setup.
Customer service was great and replied fast about bulbs.
Perfect for renters! No permanent changes, adds so much character.
Exceeded my expectations. For the price, the quality is outstanding.
Super easy. Just plugged it in and done. Light is beautiful.
Put it up during naptime! Easy install and safe from kids.
The color temperature is perfect. It's a true warm white, not yellow or sterile. It makes everything in the room look better.
This isn't a disposable trendy item. It feels like a classic piece that I'll have for a long time.
The shipping was incredibly fast, got here in 6 days. The only reason it's not a full 5 stars is that the delivery guy left it in the rain, but the packaging held up and the lamp is fine.
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
