Akari Collection

The Akari Collection from Vitra – Light in its Most Beautiful Form

Light sculptures by Isamu Noguchi – the Akari lamps

The idea behind Akari: Light as Sculptural

The so-called Akari Light Sculptures were designed from 1951 onwards by the versatile artist Isamu Noguchi, whose work as a designer, sculptor, stage designer and landscape architect was always characterised by sculptural design. Form is also central to the Akari lamps: here, light becomes a sculptural gesture.

In the spring of 1951 Noguchi visited the Japanese city of Gifu, where he became fascinated by the traditional paper lanterns that had been handcrafted for centuries. Inspired by the lightness and poetry of the material he developed the first prototypes there in collaboration with local craftspeople. These consisted of fine washi paper, obtained from the bark of the mulberry tree, and a bamboo frame. He replaced the traditional candle with electric light, transforming the classic lantern into a modern light sculpture.

Over the years a collection of over 100 models has emerged, ranging from delicate table lamps to large-format pendants and floor lamps. Each Akari lamp expresses balance, lightness, and simplicity in its own unique way. Noguchi combined traditional craftsmanship with a modern design language, using light not only as illumination but also as a sculptural, poetic element in the space.

Handmade in Japan – Why Akari is More than just Paper

Today Akari lamps are still handcrafted in Gifu, Japan – in the same workshop with which Isamu Noguchi collaborated in the 1950s. They are produced exclusively by Ozeki & Co. on behalf of the Isamu Noguchi Foundation.

The delicate framework of each lamp consists of a handcrafted bamboo frame, which skilled artisans cover with washi paper – a tear-resistant, translucent paper traditionally used for Japanese shoji sliding doors.

The elaborate manufacturing process, the precise folding, the exceptional durability of the paper, and the decades-long continuity of production make each Akari an authentic design object. The comparatively high prices reflect this quality, as well as the fact that each lamp is a faithfully produced model – a certified design classic, distributed in Europe exclusively by Vitra.

Which Akari is right for me? Lights for different spaces and needs

The Akari collection includes lights for a wide variety of situations – from small gifts to large-scale light sculptures. Akari lights are best suited to calm, minimalist environments where their organic form and soft, diffused light can shine – whether in the living room, studio, or library. We present here models that are particularly suitable for a variety of occasions and spaces:

A glow like sunlight – with atmosphere and depth

The light of the Akari is not harsh, but soft and floating. The shoji paper creates a unique quality of light reminiscent of the morning sun. Whether as a soft table lamp in the evening or as a central lighting object in a room, Akari lamps create calm, focus, and a warm presence. Their form appears weightless without intruding on the foreground. Thus, Akari lamps not only illuminate rooms but also shape moods