Akari - Vitra

Akari - Vitra

Isamu Noguchi began work on the Akari Light Sculptures in 1951 following a visit to the Japanese city of Gifu, a region known for its production of paper parasols and lanterns. By merging Western modernism with Eastern tradition, Noguchi created a lighting series that transcends the boundary between design and art. The name Akari corresponds to the word for light in Japanese, referring to both illumination and physical lightness.

Each lamp in the series is viewed as a work of art rather than merely a utilitarian object. Noguchi wanted to transform harsh electric light into something mimicking the sun's rays as they filter through paper. The result is sublime lighting that gives the surroundings a soft and defined character.

Materials and craftsmanship in Gifu

Production still takes place at the family-owned company Ozeki in Gifu, Japan. The process is entirely manual and follows traditional crafting techniques. A framework of bamboo is formed into a spiral or irregular structure, onto which washi paper extracted from mulberry tree bark is carefully glued to the ribs. Once the glue has dried, the internal mould is removed, allowing the lamp shade to be folded into flat boxes. This construction is central to the series' design and function.

The material choices give each Akari lamp a unique texture and a vibrant expression. The elasticity of the bamboo and the paper's ability to scatter diffuse light create spatial effects that change depending on daylight and placement. Each piece is marked with a stylised logo guaranteeing its authenticity and origin from Ozeki.

Models and placement

The range spans a wide spectrum of shapes and sizes, from a neat table lamp to extensive floor models and pendant lamps. An Akari table lamp often functions as a sculptural point on a side table or in a shelf, where its organic form contrasts with rectilinear architecture.

Isamu Noguchi experimented with everything from strict geometric shapes to asymmetric, biomorphic volumes. Common to all variants is that they retain their refined design and visual lightness regardless of scale. The series is today an integral part of Vitra and their design heritage, representing a vision where lighting art is allowed to take its place.

Lighting as artistic expression

Decorating with Akari Light Sculptures is about adding a dimension of beauty and history. Isamu Noguchi's creative vision was to bring sculpture into everyday life, and through these light sources, an atmosphere is achieved that is both soothing and intellectually stimulating. It is about Japanese craftsmanship in symbiosis with modern interior design. Whether it concerns a large ceiling lamp or a smaller light source, Akari contributes an aesthetic weight that few other fixtures possess.