Akari Light Sculptures

“Akari” is the name given to the illuminated, sculpted lantern style resulting from the merging of Isamu Noguchi and Gifu’s traditional craftwork in 1952.
The gentle light-dispersing quality of the Japanese paper and irregular engulfment of the bamboo framework serves not only as a source of illumination but also to carve the light with every wrinkle. The absolute attention to quality material makes it clear that this is a traditional art of Japan. Moreover, the lightness of the AKARI lanterns speaks of the transient quality characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship since antiquity.
Isamu Noguchi’s products are recognised around the world as a prime example of an attempt to revive beautiful and uniquely Japanese crafts. Beginning with Noguchi being awarded first place in a Japanese Good Design Contest at the New York Museum of Modern Art, his products have become loved in homes and shops in several countries.

The harshness of electricity is thus transformed through the magic of paper back to the light of our origin – the sun. -Isamu Noguchi