Akari Table Lamp

The Akari table Lamp is part of the Akari light sculptures, designed in 1951 by the American Japanese artist. He chose the name ‘Akari’ for these objects, a word that means ‘light’ in Japanese, connoting both illumination and physical lightness.

The inspiration for the design of his lights stems from a visit to the Japanese fishing village of Gifu, watched the fishermen at work. They do not only use trained cormorants for the hunt but also lanterns to attract fish. These lanterns had ribs made of bamboo, which were covered with fine paper. For the Akari table lamp, the designer uses paper of the mulberry tree, because it softens the light, making it gentle and spreads it evenly.