Akari Light Sculptures
âAkariâ is the name given to the illuminated, sculpted lantern style resulting from the merging of Isamu Noguchi and Gifuâs traditional craftwork in 1952.
Each AKARI piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Japan. Bamboo ribs are carefully wound around a wooden mould, followed by the application of washi paper. Once formed, the wooden mould is removed, and the shade is left to dry. Every shade is marked with Isamu Noguchiâs signature.
The gentle light-dispersing quality of the Japanese paper and irregular engulfment of the bamboo framework serves not only as a source of illumination, but also to carve the light with every wrinkle. The absolute attention to quality material makes it clear that this is a traditional art of Japan. Moreover, the lightness of the AKARI lanterns speaks of the transient quality characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship since antiquity.
Isamu Noguchiâs products are recognised around the world as a prime example of an attempt to revive beautiful and uniquely Japanese crafts. Beginning with Noguchi being awarded first place in a Japanese Good Design Contest at the New York Museum of Modern Art, his products have become loved in homes and shops in several countries.
"The harshness of electricity is thus transformed through the magic of paper back to the light of our origin â the sun." -Isamu Noguch
Isamu Noguchi (1904â1988)
Isamu Noguchi was born in Los Angeles . He was one of the twentieth century's most important and critically acclaimed sculptors.
Born to an American mother Léonie Gilmour, a writer and editor living in New York City and his Japanese father Yonejiro Noguchi, a poet. Between the ages of two and thirteen Noguchi lived in Japan, returning to Los Angeles attending high school. An internationalist, Noguchi travelled extensively throughout his life, working across studios in Japan and America.
Noguchi did not belong to any particular movement but collaborated with artists working in a range of disciplines and schools and sought opportunities to venture into the mass-production of his designs. His celebrated Akari light sculptures, although crafted of traditional materials, are an example of this.Â
Following a visit to the city of Gifu, Japan in 1951, Noguchi developed a bond and deep connection working with Ozeki, the traditional manufacturer of Japanese lanterns used for centuries within Buddhist temples and ceremonies. Noguchi employed the same traditional craftsmanship and techniques, the Gifu method of construction, to create his AKARI light sculptures of washi paper bamboo and steel that are collapsible, weightless and blend the world of sculpture with functionality.Â
For us at CIBIâŠ
Isamu Noguchi's desire to bring art into everybody's home warms a CIBI heart. An appreciation of how the objects we surround ourselves influence how we feel.Â
CIBI loves the simple task of drinking a glass of water as an opportunity to experience a moment of joy. With a hand blown usuhari glass in hand, a lifestyle can grow from a simple collection of moments. Noguchi wished to create a sculptural art piece to enjoy everyday at home.Â
Crafted of simple materials, washi paper, bamboo and steel, the light evokes the way a candle is lit behind a shoji screen in traditional Japanese homes.
A humble soft light that brings happiness into the spaces we live, creating a new unique experience.
Noguchi's watchful design, forming beautiful geometry of circles, ovals, triangles, rectangles and beyond, these are the shapes we recognise and appeal to our hearts, this is where smiles are created.
Discover a favourite shape, remember a favourite room at home and enjoy this unique moment in your day, as part of your lifestyle.
