If you aren’t aware of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988), it’s highly likely that you’ve experienced his influence on interiors. The modernist sculptor challenged conventions, and transformed the traditional Japanese lanterns into electrical versions for the modern home, called Akari. It’s his handmade designs that have inspired paper lampshade trends around the world. Noguchi stated, “All that you require to start a home are a room, a tatami, and Akari.”

Isamu Noguchi with his light sculptures. Image via SFO Museum.

A Deeper Look - Noguchi as an Artist

Noguchi was highly interested in the melding of seemingly opposing ideas: future and past, and East and West. In combining these paradigms, he strived to invent something new, something timeless, something escaping time, through his sculptures and works.

Listen to Noguchi in his words here:

Noguchi at Home

Whilst we can all enjoy paper lampshades these days, there is certainly something to be said about admiring a Noguchi design. It’s said that he was inspired by the traditional night fishing lanterns used by Japanese fishermen. Noguchi championed traditional methods, using bamboo ribbing and washi paper from the inner bark of mulberry trees, and transformed them into electrical lamps. His Akari Light Sculptures bring together centuries of tradition, skilled craftsmanship, natural and beautiful materials, soft atmospheric lighting, and the modern home.

With the Akari Light Sculptures, Noguchi aimed to re-create the effect of sunlight filtered through traditional Japanese paper doors. He said, “The harshness of electricity is thus transformed through the magic of paper back to the light of our origin – the sun – so that its warmth may continue to fill our rooms at night.” His paper lamps are indeed works of art for the home.

To understand the honour and craftsmanship that goes into the production of Noguchi lamps, watch this video.

These Noguchi Akari lamps are still crafted today: