Category: Floor Lamps

Isamu Noguchi Akari Light Sculptures Available at Modele’s.

Posted on by Deb Bluestein

  Isamu Noguchi (November 1, 1904-December 3, 1988) was an American artist and architect whose artistic career spanned six decades, from the 1920s onward. Known for his sculpture and public works, Noguchi also designed stage sets for Martha Graham productions, and several mass-produced lamps and furniture pieces, some of which are still produced in Japan to this day.

Akari Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi are considered icons of 1950s modern design. Designed by Noguchi beginning in 1951 and handmade for a half century by the original manufacturer in Gifu, Japan, the paper lanterns are a harmonious blend of Japanese handcraft and modernist form.The lamps are created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, supported by a metal frame. The lamp accommodates up to a 40 watt bulb (not included).

Stop by Modele’s in Magnolia Village to view a selection we currently have on display. Alternatively  choose from dozens of styles available on special order through our catalog. With so many iconic designs available you are sure to find the right one to suit your unique aesthetic and desired ambiance.

 

Noguchi Light Sculptures are in our permanent collection of retail lines that we carry throughout the year.

 

Isamu Noguchi Floor Lamp at Modele’s!!

Posted on by Deb Bluestein

Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) was one of the twentieth century’s most important and critically acclaimed sculptors. Through a lifetime of artistic experimentation, he created sculptures, gardens, furniture and lighting designs, ceramics, architecture, and set designs. His work, at once subtle and bold, traditional and modern, set a new standard for the reintegration of the arts.

 

“All that you require to start a home are a room, a tatami, and Akari.”

With the warm glow of light cast through hand-made paper on a bamboo frame, Isamu Noguchi utilized traditional Japanese materials to bring modern design to the home.

Like the beauty of falling leaves and the cherry blossom, Noguchi wrote, Akari are “poetic, ephemeral, and tentative.” And he was fond of saying, “All that you require to start a home are a room, a tatami, and Akari. ”

 

 

Noguchi Floor Lamp, Model 14A. Currently available at Modele’s.

 

The Making of Akari Light Sculpture

The fabrication of Akari in Japan at Ozeki Company since 1951 follows the traditional methods for Japanese Gifu lanterns. Each Akari is hand crafted beginning with the making of washi paper from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. Bamboo ribbing is stretched across wooden molded forms, which resembles sculpture.

 

The washi paper is cut into wide or narrow strips depending upon the size and shape of the lamp and then glued onto both sides of the framework. Once the glue has dried and the shape is set the internal wooden form is disassembled and removed. The outcome is a resilient paper form, which can be collapsed and packed flat for shipping. The Akari package includes Noguchi’s patented metal wire stretcher and support system.

A genuine Akari light will have a stamped red sun and half moon with Japan written under the symbol on the shade. Next to the symbol will be the signature “I. Noguchi”. The lamps age gracefully due to the quality of the paper.