Akari 5X Luminous Sculpture by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, Japan, 1970s for sale at Pamono

Description

Light sculpture table lamp mod. Akari 5X designed by Isamu Noguchi, the lamp is made from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribs and supported by a metal frame. This piece is believed to date back to the late 1970s. It is in excellent condition with original wiring and socket.

In 1951 Isamu Noguchi visited the city of Gifu, Japan, which is known for producing mulberry and bamboo paper lanterns and umbrellas. Noguchi designed the first of his lamps to be produced using traditional Gifu construction methods. An He called these works Akari, a term meaning light as in illumination, but which also implies the idea of weightlessness. Each Akari was handcrafted, starting with creating washi paper from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. Bamboo ribs were stretched over sculptural molded wood forms. Washi paper was cut into strips and glued to both sides of the structure. Once the glue had dried and the shape had set, the internal wooden shape was dismantled and removed. The result was a form of strong paper, which could be folded for packaging. with the warm glow of light cast through handmade paper on a bamboo frame, Isamu Noguchi has used traditional Japanese materials to bring modern design into the home.