Isamu Noguchi was one of the twentieth century's critically acclaimed artists, sculptors, and architectural designers. The Japanese-American was known for his sculptures, ceramics, architecture, set designs, and furniture and lighting designs. An avid traveller, it was during his visit to Gifu in Japan, which is known for producing lanterns and umbrellas made from mulberry bark paper and bamboo, that his now-famous Akari lamps were born. The first of his lamps were designed and produced using traditional Gifu methods of construction. The term Akari means illumination but also lightweight. While Noguchi's Akari lights are still in production, we looked closer home and found several lighting brands that have lights inspired by the Akari aesthetics. Read on to find out more about them.
We Found 5 Brands That Get Isamu Noguchi's Akari Aesthetics On Point
Akari 101
Noguchi's Akari lights are are made at Ozeki & Co since 1951 using traditional Gifu methods. According to Noguchi's online shop, each Akari is handcrafted using washi paper made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. This washi paper is cut into strips and glued into both sides of a framework formed by using bamboo ribbing that is stretched across moulded wood forms. Once the glue is dried and the paper is set, the wooden form is removed and you get a long-lasting paper form. The resultant light fixture makes for a beautiful statement piece made of handmade paper and a bamboo frame.
Now that you are familiar with Akari, check out the brands that have similar aesthetics when it comes to their lighting options.
Oorjaa
Oorjaa is a Bangalore-based lighting brand that is known for its handcrafted lighting options made from sustainable materials like handmade paper and cork. The handmade paper collection is the one that is similar to Akari lamps, except Oorjaa goes creative with their shapes -- think nature-inspired such as clouds, sea urchins, and mushrooms. They also have geometric shapes such as oval, cylindrical, and rectangular. The Shibori collection is also worth looking at. Their lighting options include floor lamps, ceiling lights, pendant lights, and wall sconces. These lamps make use of handcrafted paper made from banana fibre and lokta fibre.
Check Out These Options: Arch Floor Lamp, Cloud Pendant Lamp, Lamp Post Floor Lamp, and Meander Pendant Lamp
Price: INR 2,975 upwards
IKEA
Surprised? You shouldn't be. IKEA's limited collection features designs similar to that of Noguchi's. Think of round and abstract. These lamps -- floor, pendant, and table -- give diffused, warm light and are perfect to be installed in your bedroom or living room. Some of these lamps make use of rice paper for the shades but you'll also find options made from polyester and polyethene plastic.
Check Out These Options: Regnskur Pendant Lamp, Solleftea Floor Lamp, Regolit Pendant Lamp, and Krusning Pendant Lamp
Price: INR 149 upwards
Anantaya Decor
Anantaya Decor's collection of lighting is superb and one-of-a-kind. You will find a lot of statement lighting options that are handcrafted by artisans. The light fixtures make use of bamboo, banana paper, and other natural materials. The forms these lamps have are one of a kind and inspired by everything from Zeppelins to Tukkals (a kind of lamp used during Makar Sankranti). Some of these lamps are handcrafted by Tazia artisans.
Check Out These Options: Zeppelin Tazia Floor Lamp, Zeppelin Tazia Lamp, and Bamboo TT Lamp
Price: INR 5,900 upwards
Floft Studio
The lighting brand takes the craft of Origami and runs with it when it comes to their lamps. They mix origami with Indian art forms such as Gond, Madhubani, and Worli to create pieces that are functional but also appealing from every angle. They also have a Cherry Blossom collection that features lampshades with multi-floral art prints on the shades. They have table lamps and hanging lights as part of their collection. The lampshades are made from natural bamboo paper and other eco-friendly paper. You will also like the fact that these lamps have shades that are collapsible.
Check Out These Options: Dahlia Hanging Lamp, Blue Feather Hanging Lamp, Worli Hanging Lamp, and Madhubani Table Lamp
Price: INR 1,800 upwards
Bluecat Paper
While not a lighting brand (they are into paper stationery), Bluecat Paper does have a limited collection of lampshades that are made from banana fibre and come in forms that are worthy of being a centrepiece in your living, bedroom or where you'd like to install it. These hanging lampshades are lightweight and eco-friendly. They also feature upcycled and recycled materials. These lampshades when installed with a light bulb produce diffused ambient lighting that's perfect for a living room or workspace setting.
Check Out These Options: Wave Lampshade, Dotted Lamp Shade, and Flower Lamp Shade
Price: INR 8,999
