# Structural Washi Paper Lamps Isamu Noguchi Designs the Stylish Akari Lamps Using Paper By Amy Duong | Published 2024-10-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akari-lamp References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/10/14/isamu-noguchis-akari-lamps-ephemeral-mid-century-modern/) & [press.princeton.edu](https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691127828/the-life-of-isamu-noguchi)  Japanese-American designer Isamu Noguchi created the [Akari](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akari-lantern) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yurameki). 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 ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 29% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rare Akari Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rare-akari-light-sculptures.md) - [Washi Paper-Inspired Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shining-a-light.md) - [Limited Printed Lamp Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akari-lantern.md) - [Blooming Paper Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kazuhiro-yamanaka-tsubomi-lamp.md) - [Posh Paper Craft-Inspired Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japandi-lamp.md) - [Japanese Lantern-Inspired Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/madco.md) - [Organic Paper-Like Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farolito.md) - [Paper-Inspired Half-Folded Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/half-lamp.md) - [Lantern-Inspired Wall Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hashira-wall-lamp.md)