Akari E

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 Akari Light Sculptures are produced in limited runs and remain in consistently high demand worldwide. As a result, availability and lead times can vary considerably between individual models and may fluctuate. While we will always provide the most accurate information available at the time of order, lead times should be considered indicative only.

Due to this demand, incoming stock is often pre-sold prior to arrival. If you have a specific Akari model in mind, we strongly recommend placing your order as early as possible to secure allocation.

Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century, expanding the traditional notion of sculpture to include the creation of dance sets, gardens, playgrounds, fountains and furniture.

Isamu Noguchi was the son of an American mother and a Japanese father. Born in Los Angeles, Noguchi spent his childhood in Japan before returning to the US for his education. As a young man he travelled to Paris to work with sculptor Constantin Brancusi, and he went on to develop his own career as an artist in New York.

After visiting Japan in 1931, Noguchi began to integrate elements of Japanese art with Western modernism. Throughout the 1950s Noguchi spent a great deal of time in Japan, embracing Japanese forms for the design of gardens and sculpture.