Whether it’s your first Japanese-style interior piece, or a new addition to your Japandi home, you can’t go wrong with the Akari lighting sculptures. They can serve as a centrepiece or a complementary item alike.
Akari lamps, or “light sculptures”, are a line of lighting fixtures designed by Japanese-American sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi. These lamps are known for their simple, elegant design and use of natural materials.
The Akari lamps are made of hand-crafted paper and bamboo in Gifu. The paper is stretched over a metal frame, and the lamps are shaped by hand to create their distinctive, organic forms.
Personally, I feel that I have a connection to the Akari line of lamps – they’re handmade in Gifu, where my father was born. I bought one at Heal’s store in London, where I grew up. I lived in the Barbican when the Noguchi exhibition was held, and business trip to San Francisco coincided with a Noguchi exhibition at the Asian Art museum.
The Akari lamps are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including floor lamps, table lamps, and pendant lamps. They are often used as a decorative element in modern and minimalist interiors, and are prized for their unique, artistic aesthetic.
In addition to their visual appeal, Akari lamps are also functional works of art. They are designed to provide soft, warm light, making them suitable for use in a variety of settings, including living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms.
Akari lamps by Noguchi are a beautiful and versatile lighting solution that combine form and function to create a truly unique and striking aesthetic. Whether your style is Japandi, Japanese traditional or modern, minimalist or mid-century, they are sure to complement and elevate your interior beautifully.