Akari Washi Paper Pendant Lamp

Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951, the Akari pendant is a sphere of light — handmade washi paper ribbed with bamboo, suspended overhead on a slender cord. Our faithful reproduction brings the iconic round Akari lantern to the ceiling in three sizes, from an intimate 60 cm globe to a room-defining metre.

At a Glance

• Designer: Isamu Noguchi, from the Akari light-sculpture series he began in 1951
• Form: a round washi paper globe pendant, hung from a slim black cord
• Sizes: three — 55A (Ø 60 cm), 75A (Ø 80 cm), 100A (Ø 100 cm)
• Light: standard E27 socket, bulb included; max 100W / 150W / 300W by size
• Suspension: 3 m (≈ 118 in) adjustable cord; hardwired ceiling mount (plug-in on request)
• Materials: handmade washi paper over bamboo ribs

About Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) was a Japanese-American sculptor and designer whose work bridged East and West across furniture, gardens, stage sets, and public space. In 1951 he travelled to Gifu, a small city on the Nagara River where artisans had folded washi paper and bamboo into chōchin lanterns for centuries. The mayor invited him to help revive the local craft, and Noguchi answered with a new family of light sculptures he called Akari — a Japanese word meaning both "light" and "lightness."

The original Akari series is still produced by Ozeki & Co. in Gifu using the same hand techniques. Noguchi spoke of Akari less as lamps than as atmosphere — light that dissolves the boundary between object and air. Hung overhead, the round Akari pendant turns a dining table or entryway into a pool of warm, even light.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Our reproduction is built in the Akari tradition, with materials chosen to read the way Noguchi intended:

• Shade: handmade washi paper stretched over fine horizontal bamboo ribs in a full round globe that glows evenly and warmly when lit.
• Frame: a collapsible internal wire expander holds the sphere open; the lantern ships folded flat and opens in minutes.
• Suspension: a slim black cord with ceiling canopy, adjustable up to 3 m (about 118 in / 9.8 ft).
• Light: standard E27 medium-screw socket; a bulb is included.

Each shade is folded and finished by hand. Subtle variations in the paper grain and rib spacing are part of the character — no two Akari shades are identical.

Specifications

Sizing & Where It Fits

Pick the size to suit the room and the table beneath it:

• 55A (Ø 60 cm): intimate — a small round table, breakfast nook or hallway, or grouped as a cluster.
• 75A (Ø 80 cm): the everyday dining size — balanced over a standard round or rectangular table.
• 100A (Ø 100 cm): a statement — anchors a large table, open-plan dining, or a double-height space.

Prefer the Akari look as a floor lamp? The same lantern tradition comes as the Akari 7A and Akari 10A floor lamps.

Care & Assembly

The lantern ships folded flat and opens in a few minutes: unfold the shade, insert the wire expander through the top hole and seat it into the holes, thread the cord, and adjust the drop so the bulb sits centered (never touching the paper). Dust lightly with a soft, dry brush and keep clear of moisture.

Installation: the pendant ships as a hardwired ceiling fixture (professional installation recommended). If you'd prefer a plug-in swag version, add a note at checkout, or email SUPPORT@BREUERHOME.COM after ordering with your order number (format "BREUERHOME DIRECT-#____") requesting the plug-in option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should I choose?

Match the globe to the table and ceiling height: 55A (60 cm) for small tables and nooks, 75A (80 cm) for a standard dining table, and 100A (100 cm) as a bold focal point over a large table or open space. Hang the bottom of the shade roughly 75–90 cm (30–36 in) above a dining table.

Does it include a bulb, and what socket does it use?

Yes — a bulb is included, and the lamp uses a standard E27 medium-screw socket, so replacements are easy to find. Stay within the max wattage for each size (100W / 150W / 300W) and use a low-heat LED so the paper stays cool to the touch.

Is it hardwired or plug-in?

It ships as a hardwired ceiling pendant (we recommend a qualified electrician). Need a plug-in swag instead? Add a note at checkout, or email SUPPORT@BREUERHOME.COM after ordering with your order number (format "BREUERHOME DIRECT-#____") and we'll arrange it.

How fragile is the washi paper?

Washi is stronger than it looks — its long fibers resist tearing far better than ordinary paper — but it is still paper. Avoid moisture and bumps and dust it gently, and it will last for years.

How does it ship and assemble?

The lantern ships folded flat to protect the bamboo ribs and opens in a few minutes with the included wire expander — no tools needed for the shade. The electrical fitting should be installed by an electrician (or request the plug-in option above).

Shipping & Returns

Free US shipping. 30-day free returns. See our shipping policy and refund policy.