Akari 15A by Vitra

In 1951, Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi initiated the creation of Akari Light Sculptures, a collection of handcrafted paper works that eventually comprised over 100 lamps: table, floor, and pendant varieties. He named these pieces 'akari', a Japanese term for 'light', signifying both illumination and physical lightness. 'Thus, the rigidity of electricity is transformed by the magic of paper into the light of our origin, the sun, allowing warmth to fill our rooms at night.' Each lamp is meticulously handcrafted at Ozeki, a traditional family business in Gifu. Bamboo sticks are placed over original wooden forms designed by Noguchi to create the structure that defines the object's shape. Washi paper, made from the bark of the mulberry tree, is cut into strips and glued onto the bamboo's ribbed pattern. Once the glue dries, the wooden form can be removed, and the lamp shade can be folded. The Akari Light Sculptures are marked with a stylized sun and moon logo, also resembling the corresponding Japanese characters, ensuring the authenticity of each product.