Japanese-American designer Isamu Noguchi created the Akari lamps, which are made using Japanese washi paper -- it is one of the most notable designs by Noguchi. He started off as a sculptor and he created the light in 1951 inspired by the traditional method of Japan's Gifu region using the washi paper. It appears to be an artful paper lantern that was remixed in a more modern angle.
Noted by Noguchi according to the Life of Isamu Noguchi book by Masayo Duus, he shares, "The name Akari, which I coined, means in Japanese 'light as illumination. It also suggests lightness as opposed to weight. The ideograph combines that of the sun and the moon. The quality is poetic, ephemeral, and tentative."
Image Credit: Ollie Hammick, White Cube
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Paper Lantern Lighting
- There is a rising trend in modern reinterpretations of traditional paper lanterns, integrating aesthetic and sustainable elements.
- Hybrid Art-furniture
- Designers increasingly blend artistic creativity with functional furniture design, resulting in pieces that double as decor and utility.
- Cultural Revitalization
- Incorporating traditional craftsmanship in contemporary design is gaining traction, offering unique cultural and aesthetic value.
Where This Applies
- Home Decor
- Manufacturers are exploring diverse materials and historical designs to create unique, culturally rich products for modern interiors.
- Sustainable Products
- The use of environmentally-friendly materials like washi paper in product design is becoming more prevalent, addressing both ecological and consumer aesthetics concerns.
- Artisanal Crafts
- Reviving traditional craftsmanship techniques across various modalities is becoming a niche yet valuable segment within the broader market.
