Akari Lamp Noguchi Akari 55A Pendant Light Ceiling Lantern

Noguchi Akari 55A Pendant Light Lantern Ceiling Lamp akari 45a akari 120a

Akari Dia 40cm / ∅ 15.7″ / Black Wire 2M

$85.00 USD

THE MAKING OF AKARI

Beyond the Standard Paper Globe

Crafted not as a temporary accent, but as a timeless piece designed to be lived with.

FURNITURE-GRADE PRECISION

A true home-grade paper lamp isn't a temporary seasonal novelty—it is a permanent architectural centerpiece for modern living. The difference lies in a step most mass manufacturers skip: precision edge-trimming.

Every panel of our Washi paper is meticulously hand-trimmed before assembly. This extra step guarantees ultra-narrow, razor-thin seams that remain perfectly uniform from top to bottom, with mathematically balanced spacing between every section. It is often said in traditional paper crafting that making eight untrimmed holiday lanterns takes less skill than perfecting a single, seamless furniture-grade lamp. This relentless attention to seam perfection gives the AKARI LAMP its pristine, floating aesthetic from every angle.

A Heritage of Authentic Japanese Washi

Handcrafted to diffuse light with delicate elegance, our paper lampshades embody time-honored artisanal heritage. We proudly source authentic Japanese Washi paper from a historic studio established in 1956—trusted by the world’s most celebrated paper lighting masters for generations.

Fun Fact: Unlike stark white, mass-produced paper lanterns, our carefully selected Washi paper boasts a warm, organic off-white tone. This natural depth gently filters light, casting an inviting, soothing ambient glow across any room.

Elevating an Everyday Classic

Creating the akari collection wasn’t about offering another generic paper globe lamp—it was about refining an everyday icon into a lasting piece of heirloom-quality art.

Unlike cheap, mass-produced alternatives that warp or tear easily, every akari lamp is constructed around our master-crafted Sichuan bamboo skeleton. With pristine seams, flawless tension, and consistent spacing throughout, Captainsbamboo's akari lamps maintains its smooth, architectural silhouette over time—no sagging, no dents, just pure, uninterrupted light.

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.

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